Emoji recording and sending

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure generally relates to generating and modifying virtual avatars. An electronic device having a camera and a display apparatus displays a virtual avatar that changes appearance in response to changes in a face in a field of view of the camera. In response to detecting changes in one or more physical features of the face in the field of view of the camera, the electronic device modifies one or more features of the virtual avatar.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to the following: U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/507,177, filed May 16, 2017, and entitled “EmojiRecording and Sending”; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/556,412,filed Sep. 9, 2017, and entitled “Emoji Recording and Sending”; U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/557,121, filed Sep. 11, 2017, andentitled “Emoji Recording and Sending”; and U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 62/671,979, filed May 15, 2018, and entitled “Emoji Recording andSending.” The contents of these applications are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to computer user interfaces,and more specifically to techniques for generating, recording, andsending emojis and virtual avatars.

BACKGROUND

Multimedia content, such as emojis and virtual avatars, are sometimessent as part of messaging communications. The emojis and virtual avatarsrepresent a variety of predefined people, objects, actions, and/or otherthings. Some messaging applications allow users to select from apredefined library of emojis and virtual avatars which are sent as partof a message that can contain other content (e.g., other multimediaand/or textual content). Stickers are another type of multimedia contentthat are sometimes sent with messaging applications. In some ways,stickers are similar to emojis and virtual avatars in that they canrepresent people, objects, actions, and/or other things. Some stickersand/or messaging applications allow for stickers to be associated withpreviously sent or received messages.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Some techniques for generating, sending, and receiving emojis andvirtual avatars using electronic devices, however, are generallycumbersome and inefficient. For example, some existing techniques use acomplex and time-consuming user interface, which may include multiplekey presses or keystrokes. Some other existing techniques use complexand time consuming methods for manipulating and generating emojis andvirtual avatars, which may include requiring the user to provide a largenumber of inputs to achieve the desired emoji (e.g., desired animated ordynamic emoji). Existing techniques require more time than necessary,wasting user time and device energy. This latter consideration isparticularly important in battery-operated devices.

Accordingly, the present technique provides electronic devices withfaster, more efficient methods and interfaces for sending and receivingemojis and virtual avatars. Such methods and interfaces optionallycomplement or replace other methods for sending and receiving emojis.Such methods and interfaces reduce the cognitive burden on a user andproduce a more efficient human-machine interface. For battery-operatedcomputing devices, such methods and interfaces conserve power andincrease the time between battery charges.

In accordance with some embodiments, a method performed at an electronicdevice with a display and a camera is described. The method comprises:displaying a virtual avatar generation interface; displaying a previewof a virtual avatar in the virtual avatar generation interface, whereinthe preview of the virtual avatar reacts to changes in an appearance ofa face that is in a field of view of the camera; while displaying thepreview of the virtual avatar, detecting an input in the virtual avatargeneration interface; in response to detecting the input in the virtualavatar generation interface: in accordance with a determination that theinput starts on the preview of the virtual avatar, generating a staticvirtual avatar that represents an expression of the face in the field ofview of the camera at a respective time, wherein the respective time isdetermined based on a timing of the input; and in accordance with adetermination that the input includes activation of a record affordancein the virtual avatar generation interface, generating an animatedvirtual avatar that represents a sequences of changes in the expressionof the face in the field of view of the camera over a period of time,wherein the period of time is determined based on a timing of the input.

In accordance with some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium is described. The non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium storing one or more programs configured to be executed byone or more processors of an electronic device with a display and acamera, the one or more programs including instructions for: displayinga virtual avatar generation interface; displaying a preview of a virtualavatar in the virtual avatar generation interface, wherein the previewof the virtual avatar reacts to changes in an appearance of a face thatis in a field of view of the camera; while displaying the preview of thevirtual avatar, detecting an input in the virtual avatar generationinterface; in response to detecting the input in the virtual avatargeneration interface: in accordance with a determination that the inputstarts on the preview of the virtual avatar, generating a static virtualavatar that represents an expression of the face in the field of view ofthe camera at a respective time, wherein the respective time isdetermined based on a timing of the input; and in accordance with adetermination that the input includes activation of a record affordancein the virtual avatar generation interface, generating an animatedvirtual avatar that represents a sequences of changes in the expressionof the face in the field of view of the camera over a period of time,wherein the period of time is determined based on a timing of the input.

In accordance with some embodiments, a transitory computer-readablestorage medium is described. The non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium storing one or more programs configured to be executed byone or more processors of an electronic device with a display and acamera, the one or more programs including instructions for: displayinga virtual avatar generation interface; displaying a preview of a virtualavatar in the virtual avatar generation interface, wherein the previewof the virtual avatar reacts to changes in an appearance of a face thatis in a field of view of the camera; while displaying the preview of thevirtual avatar, detecting an input in the virtual avatar generationinterface; in response to detecting the input in the virtual avatargeneration interface: in accordance with a determination that the inputstarts on the preview of the virtual avatar, generating a static virtualavatar that represents an expression of the face in the field of view ofthe camera at a respective time, wherein the respective time isdetermined based on a timing of the input; and in accordance with adetermination that the input includes activation of a record affordancein the virtual avatar generation interface, generating an animatedvirtual avatar that represents a sequences of changes in the expressionof the face in the field of view of the camera over a period of time,wherein the period of time is determined based on a timing of the input.

In accordance with some embodiments, an electronic device is described.The electronic device comprises: a display; a camera; one or moreprocessors; and memory storing one or more programs configured to beexecuted by the one or more processors, the one or more programsincluding instructions for: displaying a virtual avatar generationinterface; displaying a preview of a virtual avatar in the virtualavatar generation interface, wherein the preview of the virtual avatarreacts to changes in an appearance of a face that is in a field of viewof the camera; while displaying the preview of the virtual avatar,detecting an input in the virtual avatar generation interface; inresponse to detecting the input in the virtual avatar generationinterface: in accordance with a determination that the input starts onthe preview of the virtual avatar, generating a static virtual avatarthat represents an expression of the face in the field of view of thecamera at a respective time, wherein the respective time is determinedbased on a timing of the input; and in accordance with a determinationthat the input includes activation of a record affordance in the virtualavatar generation interface, generating an animated virtual avatar thatrepresents a sequences of changes in the expression of the face in thefield of view of the camera over a period of time, wherein the period oftime is determined based on a timing of the input.

In accordance with some embodiments, an electronic device is described.The electronic device comprises: a camera; a display for displaying avirtual avatar generation interface and displaying a preview of avirtual avatar in the virtual avatar generation interface, wherein thepreview of the virtual avatar reacts to changes in an appearance of aface that is in a field of view of the camera; means for, whiledisplaying the preview of the virtual avatar, detecting an input in thevirtual avatar generation interface; and means for, in response todetecting the input in the virtual avatar generation interface: inaccordance with a determination that the input starts on the preview ofthe virtual avatar, generating a static virtual avatar that representsan expression of the face in the field of view of the camera at arespective time, wherein the respective time is determined based on atiming of the input; and in accordance with a determination that theinput includes activation of a record affordance in the virtual avatargeneration interface, generating an animated virtual avatar thatrepresents a sequences of changes in the expression of the face in thefield of view of the camera over a period of time, wherein the period oftime is determined based on a timing of the input.

In accordance with some embodiments, a method performed at an electronicdevice with a display and a camera is described. The method comprises:displaying a virtual avatar generation interface; displaying a previewof a virtual avatar in the virtual avatar generation interface, whereinpreview of the virtual avatar reacts to changes in an appearance of aface that is in a field of view of the camera; receiving a request togenerate an animated virtual avatar based on changing facial expressionsof the face that is in the field of view of the camera; in response toreceiving the request to generate the animated virtual avatar, recordinga sequence of facial expressions of the face in the field of view of thecamera; after recording the facial expressions of the face that is inthe view of the camera, displaying a looping version of an animatedvirtual avatar that includes an animation sequence based on the sequenceof facial expressions recorded in response to the request to generatethe animated virtual avatar, wherein displaying the looping version ofthe animated virtual avatar includes displaying the animation sequencetwo or more times.

In accordance with some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium is described. The non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium storing one or more programs configured to be executed byone or more processors of an electronic device with a display and acamera, the one or more programs including instructions for: displayinga virtual avatar generation interface; displaying a preview of a virtualavatar in the virtual avatar generation interface, wherein preview ofthe virtual avatar reacts to changes in an appearance of a face that isin a field of view of the camera; receiving a request to generate ananimated virtual avatar based on changing facial expressions of the facethat is in the field of view of the camera; in response to receiving therequest to generate the animated virtual avatar, recording a sequence offacial expressions of the face in the field of view of the camera; afterrecording the facial expressions of the face that is in the view of thecamera, displaying a looping version of an animated virtual avatar thatincludes an animation sequence based on the sequence of facialexpressions recorded in response to the request to generate the animatedvirtual avatar, wherein displaying the looping version of the animatedvirtual avatar includes displaying the animation sequence two or moretimes.

In accordance with some embodiments, a transitory computer-readablestorage medium is described. The non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium storing one or more programs configured to be executed byone or more processors of an electronic device with a display and acamera, the one or more programs including instructions for: displayinga virtual avatar generation interface; displaying a preview of a virtualavatar in the virtual avatar generation interface, wherein preview ofthe virtual avatar reacts to changes in an appearance of a face that isin a field of view of the camera; receiving a request to generate ananimated virtual avatar based on changing facial expressions of the facethat is in the field of view of the camera; in response to receiving therequest to generate the animated virtual avatar, recording a sequence offacial expressions of the face in the field of view of the camera; afterrecording the facial expressions of the face that is in the view of thecamera, displaying a looping version of an animated virtual avatar thatincludes an animation sequence based on the sequence of facialexpressions recorded in response to the request to generate the animatedvirtual avatar, wherein displaying the looping version of the animatedvirtual avatar includes displaying the animation sequence two or moretimes.

In accordance with some embodiments, an electronic device is described.The electronic device comprises: displaying a virtual avatar generationinterface; displaying a preview of a virtual avatar in the virtualavatar generation interface, wherein preview of the virtual avatarreacts to changes in an appearance of a face that is in a field of viewof the camera; receiving a request to generate an animated virtualavatar based on changing facial expressions of the face that is in thefield of view of the camera; in response to receiving the request togenerate the animated virtual avatar, recording a sequence of facialexpressions of the face in the field of view of the camera; afterrecording the facial expressions of the face that is in the view of thecamera, displaying a looping version of an animated virtual avatar thatincludes an animation sequence based on the sequence of facialexpressions recorded in response to the request to generate the animatedvirtual avatar, wherein displaying the looping version of the animatedvirtual avatar includes displaying the animation sequence two or moretimes.

In accordance with some embodiments, an electronic device is described.The electronic device comprises: a camera; a display for displaying avirtual avatar generation interface and displaying a preview of avirtual avatar in the virtual avatar generation interface, whereinpreview of the virtual avatar reacts to changes in an appearance of aface that is in a field of view of the camera; means for receiving arequest to generate an animated virtual avatar based on changing facialexpressions of the face that is in the field of view of the camera;means for, in response to receiving the request to generate the animatedvirtual avatar, recording a sequence of facial expressions of the facein the field of view of the camera; means for after recording the facialexpressions of the face that is in the view of the camera, causingdisplay of a looping version of an animated virtual avatar that includesan animation sequence based on the sequence of facial expressionsrecorded in response to the request to generate the animated virtualavatar, wherein displaying the looping version of the animated virtualavatar includes displaying the animation sequence two or more times.

In some embodiments, a method comprises: at an electronic device havinga camera and a display: displaying a virtual avatar generationinterface; displaying a preview of a virtual avatar in the virtualavatar generation interface, wherein the preview of the virtual avatarreacts to changes in an appearance of a face that is in a field of viewof the camera; while displaying the preview of the virtual avatar,detecting an input in the virtual avatar generation interface; inresponse to detecting the input in the virtual avatar generationinterface: in accordance with a determination that the input starts onthe preview of the virtual avatar, generating a static virtual avatarthat represents an expression of the face in the field of view of thecamera at a respective time, wherein the respective time is determinedbased on a timing of the input; and in accordance with a determinationthat the input includes activation of a record affordance in the virtualavatar generation interface, generating an animated virtual avatar thatrepresents a sequences of changes in the expression of the face in thefield of view of the camera over a period of time, wherein the period oftime is determined based on a timing of the input.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: at an electronic devicehaving a camera and a display: displaying a virtual avatar generationinterface; displaying a preview of a virtual avatar in the virtualavatar generation interface, wherein preview of the virtual avatarreacts to changes in an appearance of a face that is in a field of viewof the camera; receiving a request to generate an animated virtualavatar based on changing facial expressions of the face that is in thefield of view of the camera; in response to receiving the request togenerate the animated virtual avatar, recording a sequence of facialexpressions of the face in the field of view of the camera; afterrecording the facial expressions of the face that is in the view of thecamera, displaying a looping version of an animated virtual avatar thatincludes an animation sequence based on the sequence of facialexpressions recorded in response to the request to generate the animatedvirtual avatar, wherein displaying the looping version of the animatedvirtual avatar includes displaying the animation sequence two or moretimes.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: at an electronic devicehaving one or more cameras and a display apparatus: displaying, via thedisplay apparatus, a virtual avatar that changes appearance in responseto changes in a face in a field of view of the one or more cameras,wherein the virtual avatar includes: a first portion, and a secondportion that is different from the first portion; while displaying, viathe display apparatus, the virtual avatar, detecting a change in pose ofthe face within the field of view of the one or more cameras; inresponse to detecting the change in pose of the face, changing anappearance of the virtual avatar, including: in accordance with adetermination that the change in pose of the face includes a first typeof change in pose of the face, changing the appearance of the virtualavatar includes moving the first portion of the virtual avatar relativeto the second portion of the virtual avatar in accordance with amagnitude of the first type of change in pose of the face; and inaccordance with a determination that the change in pose of the faceincludes a second type of change in pose of the face, changing theappearance of the virtual avatar includes moving both the first portionof the virtual avatar and the second portion of the virtual avatar basedon a magnitude of the second type of change in pose of the face.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: at an electronic devicehaving one or more cameras and a display apparatus: displaying, via thedisplay apparatus, a virtual avatar, wherein the virtual avatarincludes: a first avatar feature reactive to changes in a first physicalfeature of a face in a field of view of the one or more cameras and asecond physical feature of the face within the field of view of the oneor more cameras, and a second avatar feature; while displaying, via thedisplay apparatus, the virtual avatar, detecting changes in one or morephysical features of the face within the field of view of the one ormore cameras; in accordance with a determination that the changesinclude a change in the first physical feature: modifying the firstavatar feature of the virtual avatar based on the change in the firstphysical feature, and forgoing modifying the second avatar feature basedon the change in the first physical feature; and in accordance with adetermination that the changes include a change in the second physicalfeature: modifying the first avatar feature based on the change in thesecond physical feature, and forgoing modifying the second avatarfeature based on the change in the second physical feature.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: at an electronic devicehaving one or more cameras and a display apparatus: displaying, via thedisplay apparatus, a virtual avatar, wherein the virtual avatarincludes: a first avatar feature reactive to changes in a first physicalfeature of a face within the field of view of the one or more cameras; asecond avatar feature reactive to changes in the first physical feature;and a third avatar feature not primarily reactive to changes in thefirst physical feature; while displaying the virtual avatar, detectingchanges in the first physical feature; and in response to detecting thechanges in the first physical feature: modifying the first avatarfeature based on the detected changes in the first physical feature;modifying the second avatar feature base based on the detected changesin the first physical feature; and forgoing modification of the thirdavatar feature based on the detected changes in the first physicalfeature.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: at an electronic devicehaving one or more cameras and a display apparatus: displaying, via thedisplay apparatus, a virtual avatar, wherein the virtual avatarincludes: a first avatar feature reactive to changes in a first physicalfeature of a face within the field of view of the one or more cameras; asecond avatar feature that is reactive in different manners to changesin a second physical feature of the face dependent on whether thechanges in the second physical feature of the face occur in a firstrange of changes of the second physical feature or in a second range ofchanges of the second physical feature, different from the first rangeof changes of the second physical feature; while displaying the virtualavatar, detecting a first change in a respective physical feature of theface within the field of view of the one or more cameras; and inresponse to detecting the first change in the respective physicalfeature, modifying the virtual avatar, including: in accordance with adetermination that the detected first change in the respective physicalfeature is a change in the first physical feature, modifying the firstavatar feature to reflect the change in the first physical feature; andin accordance with a determination that the detected first change is achange in the second physical feature and the change in the secondphysical feature is within the first range of changes, changing theappearance of the second avatar feature in a first manner to reflect thechange in the second physical feature; in accordance with adetermination that the detected first change is a change in the secondphysical feature and the change in the second physical feature is withinthe second range of changes, forgoing changing the appearance of thesecond avatar feature in the first manner to reflect the change in thesecond physical feature.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: at an electronic devicehaving one or more cameras and a display apparatus: displaying, via thedisplay apparatus, a virtual avatar, wherein the virtual avatar includesa plurality of avatar features that are reactive to changes in one ormore physical features of a face within the field of view of the one ormore cameras; while displaying the virtual avatar, detecting a change ina plurality of physical features of the face, the plurality of physicalfeatures of the face including a first physical feature that correspondsto one or more of the plurality of avatar features and a second physicalfeature that does not correspond to any of the plurality of avatarfeatures; and in response to detecting the change in the plurality ofphysical features of the face: changing an appearance of a respectiveavatar feature of the plurality of avatar features wherein a magnitudeand/or direction of change of the respective avatar feature is based ona magnitude or direction of change in the first physical feature; anddeforming a portion of the virtual avatar that did not include an avatarfeature prior to detecting the change in the one or more physicalfeatures of the face, wherein a magnitude and/or direction of deformingthe portion of the avatar feature is based on the magnitude and/ordirection of change in the second physical feature.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: at an electronic devicehaving one or more cameras and a display apparatus: displaying, via thedisplay apparatus, a virtual avatar, wherein the virtual avatarincludes: a first avatar feature reactive to changes in a first physicalfeature of a face within the field of view of the one or more cameras;while displaying the virtual avatar, detecting a change in the firstphysical feature with a first physical-feature-change magnitude; inresponse to detecting the change in the first physical feature: inaccordance with a determination that the change in the first physicalfeature is within a first range of physical feature values, changing thefirst avatar feature by a first avatar-feature-change magnitude that isbased on the first physical-feature-change magnitude; and in accordancewith a determination that the change in the first physical feature iswithin a second range of physical feature values that is different fromthe first range of physical feature values, changing the first avatarfeature by a second avatar-feature-change magnitude that is differentfrom the first avatar-feature-change magnitude and is based on the firstphysical-feature-change magnitude.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: at an electronic devicehaving one or more cameras and a display apparatus: displaying, via thedisplay apparatus, a virtual avatar, wherein the virtual avatar has arespective spatial position within a frame of reference, wherein therespective spatial position is based on a position of a face within afield of view of the one or more cameras; while displaying the virtualavatar, detecting a change in position of the face within the field ofview of the one or more cameras by a respective amount; in response todetecting the change in position of the face within the field of view ofthe one or more cameras: in accordance with a determination that thechange in position of the face includes a first component of change in afirst direction, modifying the spatial position of the virtual avatarwithin the frame of reference based on the magnitude of the firstcomponent of change and a first modification factor; and in accordancewith a determination that the change in position includes a secondcomponent of change in second direction, different than the firstdirection, modifying the spatial position of the virtual avatar withinthe frame of reference based on the magnitude of the second component ofchange and a second modification factor, different than the firstmodification factor.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: at an electronic devicehaving one or more cameras and a display apparatus: displaying, via thedisplay apparatus, a virtual avatar, wherein the virtual avatar isreactive to changes in one or more physical features of a face within afield of view of the one or more cameras; while displaying the virtualavatar, detecting a first configuration of one or more physical featuresof the face; while detecting the first configuration of one or morephysical features of the face: in accordance with a determination thatthe first configuration of one or more physical features satisfiesanimation criteria, the animation criteria including a requirement thatthe first configuration is maintained for at least a first thresholdamount of time in order for the animation criteria to be met, modifyingthe virtual avatar to include a first animated effect; and in accordancewith the first configuration of one or more physical features notsatisfying the animation criteria, forgoing modification of the virtualavatar to include the first animated effect.

A method is described. The method is performed at an electronic devicehaving a display apparatus and one or more cameras. The methodcomprises: displaying, via the display apparatus, a virtual avatar,having a plurality of avatar features, that changes appearance inresponse to detected changes in pose of a face in a field of view of theone or more cameras, the face including a plurality of detected facialfeatures, including a first facial feature; after the face was detectedin the field of view of the one or more cameras with a first change inpose, the first change in pose including a change to the first facialfeature, determining that tracking of the face in the field of view ofthe one or more cameras has failed; and in response to determining thattracking of the face in the field of view of the one or more cameras hasfailed, updating an appearance of a first avatar feature of theplurality of avatar features after tracking of the face failed, whereinthe appearance of the first avatar feature is updated based on changecharacteristics of the first facial feature that were detected prior todetermining that tracking of the face has failed, wherein updating theappearance of the first avatar feature includes: in accordance with adetermination that the first facial feature had first changecharacteristics prior to detecting that tracking of the face failed,updating the appearance of the first avatar feature of the virtualavatar to a first appearance that is different from an appearance of theavatar when tracking of the face failed; and in accordance with adetermination that the first facial feature had second changecharacteristics, different from the first change characteristics priorto detecting that tracking of the face failed, updating the appearanceof the first avatar feature of the virtual avatar to a second appearancethat is different from the appearance of the avatar when tracking of theface failed and different from the first appearance.

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is described. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores one or moreprograms configured to be executed by one or more processors of anelectronic device with a display apparatus and one or more cameras. Theone or more programs including instructions for: displaying, via thedisplay apparatus, a virtual avatar, having a plurality of avatarfeatures, that changes appearance in response to detected changes inpose of a face in a field of view of the one or more cameras, the faceincluding a plurality of detected facial features, including a firstfacial feature; after the face was detected in the field of view of theone or more cameras with a first change in pose, the first change inpose including a change to the first facial feature, determining thattracking of the face in the field of view of the one or more cameras hasfailed; and in response to determining that tracking of the face in thefield of view of the one or more cameras has failed, updating anappearance of a first avatar feature of the plurality of avatar featuresafter tracking of the face failed, wherein the appearance of the firstavatar feature is updated based on change characteristics of the firstfacial feature that were detected prior to determining that tracking ofthe face has failed, wherein updating the appearance of the first avatarfeature includes: in accordance with a determination that the firstfacial feature had first change characteristics prior to detecting thattracking of the face failed, updating the appearance of the first avatarfeature of the virtual avatar to a first appearance that is differentfrom an appearance of the avatar when tracking of the face failed; andin accordance with a determination that the first facial feature hadsecond change characteristics, different from the first changecharacteristics prior to detecting that tracking of the face failed,updating the appearance of the first avatar feature of the virtualavatar to a second appearance that is different from the appearance ofthe avatar when tracking of the face failed and different from the firstappearance.

A transitory computer-readable storage medium is described. Thetransitory computer-readable storage medium stores one or more programsconfigured to be executed by one or more processors of an electronicdevice with a display apparatus and one or more cameras. The one or moreprograms including instructions for: displaying, via the displayapparatus, a virtual avatar, having a plurality of avatar features, thatchanges appearance in response to detected changes in pose of a face ina field of view of the one or more cameras, the face including aplurality of detected facial features, including a first facial feature;after the face was detected in the field of view of the one or morecameras with a first change in pose, the first change in pose includinga change to the first facial feature, determining that tracking of theface in the field of view of the one or more cameras has failed; and inresponse to determining that tracking of the face in the field of viewof the one or more cameras has failed, updating an appearance of a firstavatar feature of the plurality of avatar features after tracking of theface failed, wherein the appearance of the first avatar feature isupdated based on change characteristics of the first facial feature thatwere detected prior to determining that tracking of the face has failed,wherein updating the appearance of the first avatar feature includes: inaccordance with a determination that the first facial feature had firstchange characteristics prior to detecting that tracking of the facefailed, updating the appearance of the first avatar feature of thevirtual avatar to a first appearance that is different from anappearance of the avatar when tracking of the face failed; and inaccordance with a determination that the first facial feature had secondchange characteristics, different from the first change characteristicsprior to detecting that tracking of the face failed, updating theappearance of the first avatar feature of the virtual avatar to a secondappearance that is different from the appearance of the avatar whentracking of the face failed and different from the first appearance.

An electronic device is described. The electronic device comprises: adisplay apparatus; one or more cameras; one or more processors; andmemory storing one or more programs configured to be executed by the oneor more processors, the one or more programs including instructions for:displaying, via the display apparatus, a virtual avatar, having aplurality of avatar features, that changes appearance in response todetected changes in pose of a face in a field of view of the one or morecameras, the face including a plurality of detected facial features,including a first facial feature; after the face was detected in thefield of view of the one or more cameras with a first change in pose,the first change in pose including a change to the first facial feature,determining that tracking of the face in the field of view of the one ormore cameras has failed; and in response to determining that tracking ofthe face in the field of view of the one or more cameras has failed,updating an appearance of a first avatar feature of the plurality ofavatar features after tracking of the face failed, wherein theappearance of the first avatar feature is updated based on changecharacteristics of the first facial feature that were detected prior todetermining that tracking of the face has failed, wherein updating theappearance of the first avatar feature includes: in accordance with adetermination that the first facial feature had first changecharacteristics prior to detecting that tracking of the face failed,updating the appearance of the first avatar feature of the virtualavatar to a first appearance that is different from an appearance of theavatar when tracking of the face failed; and in accordance with adetermination that the first facial feature had second changecharacteristics, different from the first change characteristics priorto detecting that tracking of the face failed, updating the appearanceof the first avatar feature of the virtual avatar to a second appearancethat is different from the appearance of the avatar when tracking of theface failed and different from the first appearance.

An electronic device is described. The electronic device comprises: adisplay apparatus; one or more cameras; means for displaying, via thedisplay apparatus, a virtual avatar, having a plurality of avatarfeatures, that changes appearance in response to detected changes inpose of a face in a field of view of the one or more cameras, the faceincluding a plurality of detected facial features, including a firstfacial feature; means for determining that tracking of the face in thefield of view of the one or more cameras has failed after the face wasdetected in the field of view of the one or more cameras with a firstchange in pose, the first change in pose including a change to the firstfacial feature; and means for updating an appearance of a first avatarfeature of the plurality of avatar features after tracking of the facefailed, in response to determining that tracking of the face in thefield of view of the one or more cameras has failed, wherein theappearance of the first avatar feature is updated based on changecharacteristics of the first facial feature that were detected prior todetermining that tracking of the face has failed, wherein updating theappearance of the first avatar feature includes: in accordance with adetermination that the first facial feature had first changecharacteristics prior to detecting that tracking of the face failed,updating the appearance of the first avatar feature of the virtualavatar to a first appearance that is different from an appearance of theavatar when tracking of the face failed; and in accordance with adetermination that the first facial feature had second changecharacteristics, different from the first change characteristics priorto detecting that tracking of the face failed, updating the appearanceof the first avatar feature of the virtual avatar to a second appearancethat is different from the appearance of the avatar when tracking of theface failed and different from the first appearance.

Executable instructions for performing these functions are, optionally,included in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or othercomputer program product configured for execution by one or moreprocessors. Executable instructions for performing these functions are,optionally, included in a transitory computer-readable storage medium orother computer program product configured for execution by one or moreprocessors.

Thus, devices are provided with faster, more efficient methods andinterfaces for generating, sending, and receiving emojis, therebyincreasing the effectiveness, efficiency, and user satisfaction withsuch devices. Such methods and interfaces may complement or replaceother methods for sending and receiving emojis.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

For a better understanding of the various described embodiments,reference should be made to the Description of Embodiments below, inconjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numeralsrefer to corresponding parts throughout the figures.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a portable multifunction devicewith a touch-sensitive display in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating exemplary components for eventhandling in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a portable multifunction device having a touch screenin accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary multifunction device with adisplay and a touch-sensitive surface in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary user interface for a menu ofapplications on a portable multifunction device in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary user interface for a multifunctiondevice with a touch-sensitive surface that is separate from the displayin accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5A illustrates a personal electronic device in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 5B is a block diagram illustrating a personal electronic device inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 6A-6MM illustrate exemplary user interfaces for generating andsending emojis, stickers, virtual avatars, and/or other multimediacontent.

FIGS. 7A-7J illustrate exemplary user interfaces for receiving emojis,stickers, virtual avatars, and/or other multimedia content.

FIGS. 8A-8B are a flow diagram illustrating a method for generating andsending emojis, stickers, virtual avatars, and/or other multimediacontent.

FIGS. 9A-9B are a flow diagram illustrating a method for generating andsending emojis, stickers, virtual avatars, and/or other multimediacontent.

FIGS. 10A-10I illustrate exemplary user interfaces for generating andmodifying a poo virtual avatar.

FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate exemplary user interfaces for generating andmodifying a bear virtual avatar.

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate exemplary user interfaces for generating andmodifying an alien virtual avatar.

FIG. 13 illustrates exemplary user interfaces for generating andmodifying a rabbit virtual avatar.

FIGS. 14A-14D illustrate exemplary user interfaces for generating andmodifying a robot virtual avatar.

FIGS. 15A-15B illustrate exemplary user interfaces for generating andmodifying a unicorn virtual avatar.

FIGS. 16A-16B illustrate exemplary user interfaces for generating andmodifying a chicken virtual avatar.

FIGS. 17A-17B illustrate exemplary user interfaces for generating andmodifying a pig virtual avatar.

FIG. 18A-18B is a flow diagram illustrating a method for generating andmodifying a virtual avatar based on a face detected by one or morecameras.

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for generating andmodifying a virtual avatar based on a face detected by one or morecameras.

FIG. 20 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for generating andmodifying a virtual avatar based on a face detected by one or morecameras.

FIG. 21 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for generating andmodifying a virtual avatar based on a face detected by one or morecameras.

FIG. 22 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for generating andmodifying a virtual avatar based on a face detected by one or morecameras.

FIG. 23 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for generating andmodifying a virtual avatar based on a face detected by one or morecameras.

FIG. 24 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for generating andmodifying a virtual avatar based on a face detected by one or morecameras.

FIG. 25 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for generating andmodifying a virtual avatar based on a face detected by one or morecameras.

FIGS. 26A-26H illustrate exemplary user interfaces for generating andmodifying a virtual avatar after face tracking fails.

FIG. 27 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for generating andmodifying a virtual avatar after face tracking fails.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following description sets forth exemplary methods, parameters, andthe like. It should be recognized, however, that such description is notintended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure but isinstead provided as a description of exemplary embodiments.

Sending messages with multimedia content with, or in place of, textcontent has the potential to better communicate a sender's message. Forexample, multimedia content such as virtual avatars (e.g., animated orstatic emojis or stickers) can provide context and/or tone (e.g., whatmight be called “non-verbal communication”) that would be cumbersome orimpossible to communicate with text alone. In some cases, predefinedvirtual avatars can be used to provide some of this context and/or tone.Predefined content, however, cannot cover every situation or providefinely tuned context or tone. Accordingly, there is a need forelectronic devices that provide efficient methods and interfaces forgenerating, sending, and receiving virtual avatars as part of messages.Such techniques can reduce the cognitive burden on a user who is sendingand receiving messages, thereby enhancing productivity. Further, suchtechniques can reduce processor and battery power otherwise wasted onredundant user inputs.

Below, FIGS. 1A-1B, 2, 3, 4A-4B, and 5A-5B provide a description ofexemplary devices for performing the techniques for generating, sending,and receiving virtual avatars. FIGS. 6A-6MM and 7A-7J illustrateexemplary user interfaces for receiving, generating, modifying, andsending virtual avatars. FIGS. 8A-8B and 9A-9B are flow diagramsillustrating exemplary methods for receiving, generating, modifying, andsending virtual avatars. The user interfaces in FIGS. 6A-6MM and 7A-7Jare used to illustrate the processes described below, including theprocesses in FIGS. 8A-8B and 9A-9B. FIGS. 10A-10I, 11A-11C, 12A-12C, 13,14A-14D, 15A-15B, 16A-16B, 17A-17B, and 26A-26H illustrate exemplaryuser interfaces for generating and modifying virtual avatars, inaccordance with some embodiments. The user interfaces in these figuresare used to illustrate the processes described below, including theprocesses in FIGS. 18A, 18B, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 27. Theuser interfaces of FIGS. 10A-10I, 11A-11C, 12A-12C, 13, 14A-14D,15A-15B, 16A-16B, 17A-17B, and 26A-26H and the processes of FIGS. 18A,18B, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 27 may be used to generate virtualavatars for use in interfaces of FIGS. 6A-6MM and 7A-7J and theprocesses of FIGS. 8A-8B and 9A-9B.

Although the following description uses terms “first,” “second,” etc. todescribe various elements, these elements should not be limited by theterms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element fromanother. For example, a first touch could be termed a second touch, and,similarly, a second touch could be termed a first touch, withoutdeparting from the scope of the various described embodiments. The firsttouch and the second touch are both touches, but they are not the sametouch.

The terminology used in the description of the various describedembodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in thedescription of the various described embodiments and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to includethe plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as usedherein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items. It will be furtherunderstood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or“comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence ofstated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/orcomponents, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components,and/or groups thereof.

The term “if” is, optionally, construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “inresponse to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on thecontext. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a statedcondition or event] is detected” is, optionally, construed to mean “upondetermining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [thestated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the statedcondition or event],” depending on the context.

Embodiments of electronic devices, user interfaces for such devices, andassociated processes for using such devices are described. In someembodiments, the device is a portable communications device, such as amobile telephone, that also contains other functions, such as PDA and/ormusic player functions. Exemplary embodiments of portable multifunctiondevices include, without limitation, the iPhone®, iPod Touch®, and iPad®devices from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Other portable electronicdevices, such as laptops or tablet computers with touch-sensitivesurfaces (e.g., touch screen displays and/or touchpads), are,optionally, used. It should also be understood that, in someembodiments, the device is not a portable communications device, but isa desktop computer with a touch-sensitive surface (e.g., a touch screendisplay and/or a touchpad).

In the discussion that follows, an electronic device that includes adisplay and a touch-sensitive surface is described. It should beunderstood, however, that the electronic device optionally includes oneor more other physical user-interface devices, such as a physicalkeyboard, a mouse, and/or a joystick.

The device typically supports a variety of applications, such as one ormore of the following: a drawing application, a presentationapplication, a word processing application, a website creationapplication, a disk authoring application, a spreadsheet application, agaming application, a telephone application, a video conferencingapplication, an e mail application, an instant messaging application, aworkout support application, a photo management application, a digitalcamera application, a digital video camera application, a web browsingapplication, a digital music player application, and/or a digital videoplayer application.

The various applications that are executed on the device optionally useat least one common physical user-interface device, such as thetouch-sensitive surface. One or more functions of the touch-sensitivesurface as well as corresponding information displayed on the deviceare, optionally, adjusted and/or varied from one application to the nextand/or within a respective application. In this way, a common physicalarchitecture (such as the touch-sensitive surface) of the deviceoptionally supports the variety of applications with user interfacesthat are intuitive and transparent to the user.

Attention is now directed toward embodiments of portable devices withtouch-sensitive displays. FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustratingportable multifunction device 100 with touch-sensitive display system112 in accordance with some embodiments. Touch-sensitive display 112 issometimes called a “touch screen” for convenience and is sometimes knownas or called a “touch-sensitive display system.” Device 100 includesmemory 102 (which optionally includes one or more computer-readablestorage mediums), memory controller 122, one or more processing units(CPUs) 120, peripherals interface 118, RF circuitry 108, audio circuitry110, speaker 111, microphone 113, input/output (I/O) subsystem 106,other input control devices 116, and external port 124. Device 100optionally includes one or more optical sensors 164. Device 100optionally includes one or more contact intensity sensors 165 fordetecting intensity of contacts on device 100 (e.g., a touch-sensitivesurface such as touch-sensitive display system 112 of device 100).Device 100 optionally includes one or more tactile output generators 167for generating tactile outputs on device 100 (e.g., generating tactileoutputs on a touch-sensitive surface such as touch-sensitive displaysystem 112 of device 100 or touchpad 355 of device 300). Thesecomponents optionally communicate over one or more communication busesor signal lines 103.

As used in the specification and claims, the term “intensity” of acontact on a touch-sensitive surface refers to the force or pressure(force per unit area) of a contact (e.g., a finger contact) on thetouch-sensitive surface, or to a substitute (proxy) for the force orpressure of a contact on the touch-sensitive surface. The intensity of acontact has a range of values that includes at least four distinctvalues and more typically includes hundreds of distinct values (e.g., atleast 256). Intensity of a contact is, optionally, determined (ormeasured) using various approaches and various sensors or combinationsof sensors. For example, one or more force sensors underneath oradjacent to the touch-sensitive surface are, optionally, used to measureforce at various points on the touch-sensitive surface. In someimplementations, force measurements from multiple force sensors arecombined (e.g., a weighted average) to determine an estimated force of acontact. Similarly, a pressure-sensitive tip of a stylus is, optionally,used to determine a pressure of the stylus on the touch-sensitivesurface. Alternatively, the size of the contact area detected on thetouch-sensitive surface and/or changes thereto, the capacitance of thetouch-sensitive surface proximate to the contact and/or changes thereto,and/or the resistance of the touch-sensitive surface proximate to thecontact and/or changes thereto are, optionally, used as a substitute forthe force or pressure of the contact on the touch-sensitive surface. Insome implementations, the substitute measurements for contact force orpressure are used directly to determine whether an intensity thresholdhas been exceeded (e.g., the intensity threshold is described in unitscorresponding to the substitute measurements). In some implementations,the substitute measurements for contact force or pressure are convertedto an estimated force or pressure, and the estimated force or pressureis used to determine whether an intensity threshold has been exceeded(e.g., the intensity threshold is a pressure threshold measured in unitsof pressure). Using the intensity of a contact as an attribute of a userinput allows for user access to additional device functionality that mayotherwise not be accessible by the user on a reduced-size device withlimited real estate for displaying affordances (e.g., on atouch-sensitive display) and/or receiving user input (e.g., via atouch-sensitive display, a touch-sensitive surface, or aphysical/mechanical control such as a knob or a button).

As used in the specification and claims, the term “tactile output”refers to physical displacement of a device relative to a previousposition of the device, physical displacement of a component (e.g., atouch-sensitive surface) of a device relative to another component(e.g., housing) of the device, or displacement of the component relativeto a center of mass of the device that will be detected by a user withthe user's sense of touch. For example, in situations where the deviceor the component of the device is in contact with a surface of a userthat is sensitive to touch (e.g., a finger, palm, or other part of auser's hand), the tactile output generated by the physical displacementwill be interpreted by the user as a tactile sensation corresponding toa perceived change in physical characteristics of the device or thecomponent of the device. For example, movement of a touch-sensitivesurface (e.g., a touch-sensitive display or trackpad) is, optionally,interpreted by the user as a “down click” or “up click” of a physicalactuator button. In some cases, a user will feel a tactile sensationsuch as an “down click” or “up click” even when there is no movement ofa physical actuator button associated with the touch-sensitive surfacethat is physically pressed (e.g., displaced) by the user's movements. Asanother example, movement of the touch-sensitive surface is, optionally,interpreted or sensed by the user as “roughness” of the touch-sensitivesurface, even when there is no change in smoothness of thetouch-sensitive surface. While such interpretations of touch by a userwill be subject to the individualized sensory perceptions of the user,there are many sensory perceptions of touch that are common to a largemajority of users. Thus, when a tactile output is described ascorresponding to a particular sensory perception of a user (e.g., an “upclick,” a “down click,” “roughness”), unless otherwise stated, thegenerated tactile output corresponds to physical displacement of thedevice or a component thereof that will generate the described sensoryperception for a typical (or average) user.

It should be appreciated that device 100 is only one example of aportable multifunction device, and that device 100 optionally has moreor fewer components than shown, optionally combines two or morecomponents, or optionally has a different configuration or arrangementof the components. The various components shown in FIG. 1A areimplemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both hardware andsoftware, including one or more signal processing and/orapplication-specific integrated circuits.

Memory 102 optionally includes high-speed random access memory andoptionally also includes non-volatile memory, such as one or moremagnetic disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or othernon-volatile solid-state memory devices. Memory controller 122optionally controls access to memory 102 by other components of device100.

Peripherals interface 118 can be used to couple input and outputperipherals of the device to CPU 120 and memory 102. The one or moreprocessors 120 run or execute various software programs and/or sets ofinstructions stored in memory 102 to perform various functions fordevice 100 and to process data. In some embodiments, peripheralsinterface 118, CPU 120, and memory controller 122 are, optionally,implemented on a single chip, such as chip 104. In some otherembodiments, they are, optionally, implemented on separate chips.

RF (radio frequency) circuitry 108 receives and sends RF signals, alsocalled electromagnetic signals. RF circuitry 108 converts electricalsignals to/from electromagnetic signals and communicates withcommunications networks and other communications devices via theelectromagnetic signals. RF circuitry 108 optionally includes well-knowncircuitry for performing these functions, including but not limited toan antenna system, an RF transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner,one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, asubscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory, and so forth. RFcircuitry 108 optionally communicates with networks, such as theInternet, also referred to as the World Wide Web (WWW), an intranetand/or a wireless network, such as a cellular telephone network, awireless local area network (LAN) and/or a metropolitan area network(MAN), and other devices by wireless communication. The RF circuitry 108optionally includes well-known circuitry for detecting near fieldcommunication (NFC) fields, such as by a short-range communicationradio. The wireless communication optionally uses any of a plurality ofcommunications standards, protocols, and technologies, including but notlimited to Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced DataGSM Environment (EDGE), high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA),high-speed uplink packet access (HSUPA), Evolution, Data-Only (EV-DO),HSPA, HSPA+, Dual-Cell HSPA (DC-HSPDA), long term evolution (LTE), nearfield communication (NFC), wideband code division multiple access(W-CDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multipleaccess (TDMA), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE), Wireless Fidelity(Wi-Fi) (e.g., IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n,and/or IEEE 802.11ac), voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX, aprotocol for e mail (e.g., Internet message access protocol (IMAP)and/or post office protocol (POP)), instant messaging (e.g., extensiblemessaging and presence protocol (XMPP), Session Initiation Protocol forInstant Messaging and Presence Leveraging Extensions (SIMPLE), InstantMessaging and Presence Service (IMPS)), and/or Short Message Service(SMS), or any other suitable communication protocol, includingcommunication protocols not yet developed as of the filing date of thisdocument.

Audio circuitry 110, speaker 111, and microphone 113 provide an audiointerface between a user and device 100. Audio circuitry 110 receivesaudio data from peripherals interface 118, converts the audio data to anelectrical signal, and transmits the electrical signal to speaker 111.Speaker 111 converts the electrical signal to human-audible sound waves.Audio circuitry 110 also receives electrical signals converted bymicrophone 113 from sound waves. Audio circuitry 110 converts theelectrical signal to audio data and transmits the audio data toperipherals interface 118 for processing. Audio data is, optionally,retrieved from and/or transmitted to memory 102 and/or RF circuitry 108by peripherals interface 118. In some embodiments, audio circuitry 110also includes a headset jack (e.g., 212, FIG. 2). The headset jackprovides an interface between audio circuitry 110 and removable audioinput/output peripherals, such as output-only headphones or a headsetwith both output (e.g., a headphone for one or both ears) and input(e.g., a microphone).

I/O subsystem 106 couples input/output peripherals on device 100, suchas touch screen 112 and other input control devices 116, to peripheralsinterface 118. I/O subsystem 106 optionally includes display controller156, optical sensor controller 158, depth camera controller 169,intensity sensor controller 159, haptic feedback controller 161, and oneor more input controllers 160 for other input or control devices. Theone or more input controllers 160 receive/send electrical signalsfrom/to other input control devices 116. The other input control devices116 optionally include physical buttons (e.g., push buttons, rockerbuttons, etc.), dials, slider switches, joysticks, click wheels, and soforth. In some alternate embodiments, input controller(s) 160 are,optionally, coupled to any (or none) of the following: a keyboard, aninfrared port, a USB port, and a pointer device such as a mouse. The oneor more buttons (e.g., 208, FIG. 2) optionally include an up/down buttonfor volume control of speaker 111 and/or microphone 113. The one or morebuttons optionally include a push button (e.g., 206, FIG. 2).

A quick press of the push button optionally disengages a lock of touchscreen 112 or optionally begins a process that uses gestures on thetouch screen to unlock the device, as described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/322,549, “Unlocking a Device by PerformingGestures on an Unlock Image,” filed Dec. 23, 2005, U.S. Pat. No.7,657,849, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Alonger press of the push button (e.g., 206) optionally turns power todevice 100 on or off. The functionality of one or more of the buttonsare, optionally, user-customizable. Touch screen 112 is used toimplement virtual or soft buttons and one or more soft keyboards.

Touch-sensitive display 112 provides an input interface and an outputinterface between the device and a user. Display controller 156 receivesand/or sends electrical signals from/to touch screen 112. Touch screen112 displays visual output to the user. The visual output optionallyincludes graphics, text, icons, video, and any combination thereof(collectively termed “graphics”). In some embodiments, some or all ofthe visual output optionally corresponds to user-interface objects.

Touch screen 112 has a touch-sensitive surface, sensor, or set ofsensors that accepts input from the user based on haptic and/or tactilecontact. Touch screen 112 and display controller 156 (along with anyassociated modules and/or sets of instructions in memory 102) detectcontact (and any movement or breaking of the contact) on touch screen112 and convert the detected contact into interaction withuser-interface objects (e.g., one or more soft keys, icons, web pages,or images) that are displayed on touch screen 112. In an exemplaryembodiment, a point of contact between touch screen 112 and the usercorresponds to a finger of the user.

Touch screen 112 optionally uses LCD (liquid crystal display)technology, LPD (light emitting polymer display) technology, or LED(light emitting diode) technology, although other display technologiesare used in other embodiments. Touch screen 112 and display controller156 optionally detect contact and any movement or breaking thereof usingany of a plurality of touch sensing technologies now known or laterdeveloped, including but not limited to capacitive, resistive, infrared,and surface acoustic wave technologies, as well as other proximitysensor arrays or other elements for determining one or more points ofcontact with touch screen 112. In an exemplary embodiment, projectedmutual capacitance sensing technology is used, such as that found in theiPhone® and iPod Touch® from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.

A touch-sensitive display in some embodiments of touch screen 112 is,optionally, analogous to the multi-touch sensitive touchpads describedin the following U.S. Pat. No. 6,323,846 (Westerman et al.), U.S. Pat.No. 6,570,557 (Westerman et al.), and/or U.S. Pat. No. 6,677,932(Westerman), and/or U.S. Patent Publication 2002/0015024A1, each ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. However,touch screen 112 displays visual output from device 100, whereastouch-sensitive touchpads do not provide visual output.

A touch-sensitive display in some embodiments of touch screen 112 isdescribed in the following applications: (1) U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/381,313, “Multipoint Touch Surface Controller,” filed May 2,2006; (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/840,862, “MultipointTouchscreen,” filed May 6, 2004; (3) U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/903,964, “Gestures For Touch Sensitive Input Devices,” filed Jul. 30,2004; (4) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/048,264, “Gestures ForTouch Sensitive Input Devices,” filed Jan. 31, 2005; (5) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/038,590, “Mode-Based Graphical User InterfacesFor Touch Sensitive Input Devices,” filed Jan. 18, 2005; (6) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/228,758, “Virtual Input Device Placement On ATouch Screen User Interface,” filed Sep. 16, 2005; (7) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/228,700, “Operation Of A Computer With A TouchScreen Interface,” filed Sep. 16, 2005; (8) U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/228,737, “Activating Virtual Keys Of A Touch-Screen VirtualKeyboard,” filed Sep. 16, 2005; and (9) U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/367,749, “Multi-Functional Hand-Held Device,” filed Mar. 3, 2006. Allof these applications are incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

Touch screen 112 optionally has a video resolution in excess of 100 dpi.In some embodiments, the touch screen has a video resolution ofapproximately 160 dpi. The user optionally makes contact with touchscreen 112 using any suitable object or appendage, such as a stylus, afinger, and so forth. In some embodiments, the user interface isdesigned to work primarily with finger-based contacts and gestures,which can be less precise than stylus-based input due to the larger areaof contact of a finger on the touch screen. In some embodiments, thedevice translates the rough finger-based input into a precisepointer/cursor position or command for performing the actions desired bythe user.

In some embodiments, in addition to the touch screen, device 100optionally includes a touchpad for activating or deactivating particularfunctions. In some embodiments, the touchpad is a touch-sensitive areaof the device that, unlike the touch screen, does not display visualoutput. The touchpad is, optionally, a touch-sensitive surface that isseparate from touch screen 112 or an extension of the touch-sensitivesurface formed by the touch screen.

Device 100 also includes power system 162 for powering the variouscomponents. Power system 162 optionally includes a power managementsystem, one or more power sources (e.g., battery, alternating current(AC)), a recharging system, a power failure detection circuit, a powerconverter or inverter, a power status indicator (e.g., a light-emittingdiode (LED)) and any other components associated with the generation,management and distribution of power in portable devices.

Device 100 optionally also includes one or more optical sensors 164.FIG. 1A shows an optical sensor coupled to optical sensor controller 158in I/O subsystem 106. Optical sensor 164 optionally includescharge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide semiconductor(CMOS) phototransistors. Optical sensor 164 receives light from theenvironment, projected through one or more lenses, and converts thelight to data representing an image. In conjunction with imaging module143 (also called a camera module), optical sensor 164 optionallycaptures still images or video. In some embodiments, an optical sensoris located on the back of device 100, opposite touch screen display 112on the front of the device so that the touch screen display is enabledfor use as a viewfinder for still and/or video image acquisition. Insome embodiments, an optical sensor is located on the front of thedevice so that the user's image is, optionally, obtained for videoconferencing while the user views the other video conferenceparticipants on the touch screen display. In some embodiments, theposition of optical sensor 164 can be changed by the user (e.g., byrotating the lens and the sensor in the device housing) so that a singleoptical sensor 164 is used along with the touch screen display for bothvideo conferencing and still and/or video image acquisition.

Device 100 optionally also includes one or more depth camera sensors175. FIG. 1A shows a depth camera sensor coupled to depth cameracontroller 169 in I/O subsystem 106. Depth camera sensor 175 receivesdata from the environment to create a three dimensional model of anobject (e.g., a face) within a scene from a viewpoint (e.g., a depthcamera sensor). In some embodiments, in conjunction with imaging module143 (also called a camera module), depth camera sensor 175 is optionallyused to determine a depth map of different portions of an image capturedby the imaging module 143. In some embodiments, a depth camera sensor islocated on the front of device 100 so that the user's image with depthinformation is, optionally, obtained for video conferencing while theuser views the other video conference participants on the touch screendisplay and to capture selfies with depth map data. In some embodiments,the depth camera sensor 175 is located on the back of device, or on theback and the front of the device 100. In some embodiments, the positionof depth camera sensor 175 can be changed by the user (e.g., by rotatingthe lens and the sensor in the device housing) so that a depth camerasensor 175 is used along with the touch screen display for both videoconferencing and still and/or video image acquisition.

In some embodiments, a depth map (e.g., depth map image) containsinformation (e.g., values) that relates to the distance of objects in ascene from a viewpoint (e.g., a camera, an optical sensor, a depthcamera sensor). In one embodiment of a depth map, each depth pixeldefines the position in the viewpoint's Z-axis where its correspondingtwo-dimensional pixel is located. In some embodiments, a depth map iscomposed of pixels wherein each pixel is defined by a value (e.g.,0-255). For example, the “0” value represents pixels that are located atthe most distant place in a “three dimensional” scene and the “255”value represents pixels that are located closest to a viewpoint (e.g., acamera, an optical sensor, a depth camera sensor) in the “threedimensional” scene. In other embodiments, a depth map represents thedistance between an object in a scene and the plane of the viewpoint. Insome embodiments, the depth map includes information about the relativedepth of various features of an object of interest in view of the depthcamera (e.g., the relative depth of eyes, nose, mouth, ears of a user'sface). In some embodiments, the depth map includes information thatenables the device to determine contours of the object of interest in az direction.

Device 100 optionally also includes one or more contact intensitysensors 165. FIG. 1A shows a contact intensity sensor coupled tointensity sensor controller 159 in I/O subsystem 106. Contact intensitysensor 165 optionally includes one or more piezoresistive strain gauges,capacitive force sensors, electric force sensors, piezoelectric forcesensors, optical force sensors, capacitive touch-sensitive surfaces, orother intensity sensors (e.g., sensors used to measure the force (orpressure) of a contact on a touch-sensitive surface). Contact intensitysensor 165 receives contact intensity information (e.g., pressureinformation or a proxy for pressure information) from the environment.In some embodiments, at least one contact intensity sensor is collocatedwith, or proximate to, a touch-sensitive surface (e.g., touch-sensitivedisplay system 112). In some embodiments, at least one contact intensitysensor is located on the back of device 100, opposite touch screendisplay 112, which is located on the front of device 100.

Device 100 optionally also includes one or more proximity sensors 166.FIG. 1A shows proximity sensor 166 coupled to peripherals interface 118.Alternately, proximity sensor 166 is, optionally, coupled to inputcontroller 160 in I/O subsystem 106. Proximity sensor 166 optionallyperforms as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/241,839,“Proximity Detector In Handheld Device”; Ser. No. 11/240,788, “ProximityDetector In Handheld Device”; Ser. No. 11/620,702, “Using Ambient LightSensor To Augment Proximity Sensor Output”; Ser. No. 11/586,862,“Automated Response To And Sensing Of User Activity In PortableDevices”; and Ser. No. 11/638,251, “Methods And Systems For AutomaticConfiguration Of Peripherals,” which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety. In some embodiments, the proximity sensorturns off and disables touch screen 112 when the multifunction device isplaced near the user's ear (e.g., when the user is making a phone call).

Device 100 optionally also includes one or more tactile outputgenerators 167. FIG. 1A shows a tactile output generator coupled tohaptic feedback controller 161 in I/O subsystem 106. Tactile outputgenerator 167 optionally includes one or more electroacoustic devicessuch as speakers or other audio components and/or electromechanicaldevices that convert energy into linear motion such as a motor,solenoid, electroactive polymer, piezoelectric actuator, electrostaticactuator, or other tactile output generating component (e.g., acomponent that converts electrical signals into tactile outputs on thedevice). Contact intensity sensor 165 receives tactile feedbackgeneration instructions from haptic feedback module 133 and generatestactile outputs on device 100 that are capable of being sensed by a userof device 100. In some embodiments, at least one tactile outputgenerator is collocated with, or proximate to, a touch-sensitive surface(e.g., touch-sensitive display system 112) and, optionally, generates atactile output by moving the touch-sensitive surface vertically (e.g.,in/out of a surface of device 100) or laterally (e.g., back and forth inthe same plane as a surface of device 100). In some embodiments, atleast one tactile output generator sensor is located on the back ofdevice 100, opposite touch screen display 112, which is located on thefront of device 100.

Device 100 optionally also includes one or more accelerometers 168. FIG.1A shows accelerometer 168 coupled to peripherals interface 118.Alternately, accelerometer 168 is, optionally, coupled to an inputcontroller 160 in I/O subsystem 106. Accelerometer 168 optionallyperforms as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20050190059,“Acceleration-based Theft Detection System for Portable ElectronicDevices,” and U.S. Patent Publication No. 20060017692, “Methods AndApparatuses For Operating A Portable Device Based On An Accelerometer,”both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Insome embodiments, information is displayed on the touch screen displayin a portrait view or a landscape view based on an analysis of datareceived from the one or more accelerometers. Device 100 optionallyincludes, in addition to accelerometer(s) 168, a magnetometer and a GPS(or GLONASS or other global navigation system) receiver for obtaininginformation concerning the location and orientation (e.g., portrait orlandscape) of device 100.

In some embodiments, the software components stored in memory 102include operating system 126, communication module (or set ofinstructions) 128, contact/motion module (or set of instructions) 130,graphics module (or set of instructions) 132, text input module (or setof instructions) 134, Global Positioning System (GPS) module (or set ofinstructions) 135, and applications (or sets of instructions) 136.Furthermore, in some embodiments, memory 102 (FIG. 1A) or 370 (FIG. 3)stores device/global internal state 157, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 3.Device/global internal state 157 includes one or more of: activeapplication state, indicating which applications, if any, are currentlyactive; display state, indicating what applications, views or otherinformation occupy various regions of touch screen display 112; sensorstate, including information obtained from the device's various sensorsand input control devices 116; and location information concerning thedevice's location and/or attitude.

Operating system 126 (e.g., Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X, iOS,WINDOWS, or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks) includesvarious software components and/or drivers for controlling and managinggeneral system tasks (e.g., memory management, storage device control,power management, etc.) and facilitates communication between varioushardware and software components.

Communication module 128 facilitates communication with other devicesover one or more external ports 124 and also includes various softwarecomponents for handling data received by RF circuitry 108 and/orexternal port 124. External port 124 (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB),FIREWIRE, etc.) is adapted for coupling directly to other devices orindirectly over a network (e.g., the Internet, wireless LAN, etc.). Insome embodiments, the external port is a multi-pin (e.g., 30-pin)connector that is the same as, or similar to and/or compatible with, the30-pin connector used on iPod® (trademark of Apple Inc.) devices.

Contact/motion module 130 optionally detects contact with touch screen112 (in conjunction with display controller 156) and othertouch-sensitive devices (e.g., a touchpad or physical click wheel).Contact/motion module 130 includes various software components forperforming various operations related to detection of contact, such asdetermining if contact has occurred (e.g., detecting a finger-downevent), determining an intensity of the contact (e.g., the force orpressure of the contact or a substitute for the force or pressure of thecontact), determining if there is movement of the contact and trackingthe movement across the touch-sensitive surface (e.g., detecting one ormore finger-dragging events), and determining if the contact has ceased(e.g., detecting a finger-up event or a break in contact).Contact/motion module 130 receives contact data from the touch-sensitivesurface. Determining movement of the point of contact, which isrepresented by a series of contact data, optionally includes determiningspeed (magnitude), velocity (magnitude and direction), and/or anacceleration (a change in magnitude and/or direction) of the point ofcontact. These operations are, optionally, applied to single contacts(e.g., one finger contacts) or to multiple simultaneous contacts (e.g.,“multitouch”/multiple finger contacts). In some embodiments,contact/motion module 130 and display controller 156 detect contact on atouchpad.

In some embodiments, contact/motion module 130 uses a set of one or moreintensity thresholds to determine whether an operation has beenperformed by a user (e.g., to determine whether a user has “clicked” onan icon). In some embodiments, at least a subset of the intensitythresholds are determined in accordance with software parameters (e.g.,the intensity thresholds are not determined by the activation thresholdsof particular physical actuators and can be adjusted without changingthe physical hardware of device 100). For example, a mouse “click”threshold of a trackpad or touch screen display can be set to any of alarge range of predefined threshold values without changing the trackpador touch screen display hardware. Additionally, in some implementations,a user of the device is provided with software settings for adjustingone or more of the set of intensity thresholds (e.g., by adjustingindividual intensity thresholds and/or by adjusting a plurality ofintensity thresholds at once with a system-level click “intensity”parameter).

Contact/motion module 130 optionally detects a gesture input by a user.Different gestures on the touch-sensitive surface have different contactpatterns (e.g., different motions, timings, and/or intensities ofdetected contacts). Thus, a gesture is, optionally, detected bydetecting a particular contact pattern. For example, detecting a fingertap gesture includes detecting a finger-down event followed by detectinga finger-up (liftoff) event at the same position (or substantially thesame position) as the finger-down event (e.g., at the position of anicon). As another example, detecting a finger swipe gesture on thetouch-sensitive surface includes detecting a finger-down event followedby detecting one or more finger-dragging events, and subsequentlyfollowed by detecting a finger-up (liftoff) event.

Graphics module 132 includes various known software components forrendering and displaying graphics on touch screen 112 or other display,including components for changing the visual impact (e.g., brightness,transparency, saturation, contrast, or other visual property) ofgraphics that are displayed. As used herein, the term “graphics”includes any object that can be displayed to a user, including, withoutlimitation, text, web pages, icons (such as user-interface objectsincluding soft keys), digital images, videos, animations, and the like.

In some embodiments, graphics module 132 stores data representinggraphics to be used. Each graphic is, optionally, assigned acorresponding code. Graphics module 132 receives, from applicationsetc., one or more codes specifying graphics to be displayed along with,if necessary, coordinate data and other graphic property data, and thengenerates screen image data to output to display controller 156.

Haptic feedback module 133 includes various software components forgenerating instructions used by tactile output generator(s) 167 toproduce tactile outputs at one or more locations on device 100 inresponse to user interactions with device 100.

Text input module 134, which is, optionally, a component of graphicsmodule 132, provides soft keyboards for entering text in variousapplications (e.g., contacts 137, e mail 140, IM 141, browser 147, andany other application that needs text input).

GPS module 135 determines the location of the device and provides thisinformation for use in various applications (e.g., to telephone 138 foruse in location-based dialing; to camera 143 as picture/video metadata;and to applications that provide location-based services such as weatherwidgets, local yellow page widgets, and map/navigation widgets).

Applications 136 optionally include the following modules (or sets ofinstructions), or a subset or superset thereof:

-   -   Contacts module 137 (sometimes called an address book or contact        list);    -   Telephone module 138;    -   Video conference module 139;    -   E-mail client module 140;    -   Instant messaging (IM) module 141;    -   Workout support module 142;    -   Camera module 143 for still and/or video images;    -   Image management module 144;    -   Video player module;    -   Music player module;    -   Browser module 147;    -   Calendar module 148;    -   Widget modules 149, which optionally include one or more of:        weather widget 149-1, stocks widget 149-2, calculator widget        149-3, alarm clock widget 149-4, dictionary widget 149-5, and        other widgets obtained by the user, as well as user-created        widgets 149-6;    -   Widget creator module 150 for making user-created widgets 149-6;    -   Search module 151;    -   Video and music player module 152, which merges video player        module and music player module;    -   Notes module 153;    -   Map module 154; and/or    -   Online video module 155.

Examples of other applications 136 that are, optionally, stored inmemory 102 include other word processing applications, other imageediting applications, drawing applications, presentation applications,JAVA-enabled applications, encryption, digital rights management, voicerecognition, and voice replication.

In conjunction with touch screen 112, display controller 156,contact/motion module 130, graphics module 132, and text input module134, contacts module 137 are, optionally, used to manage an address bookor contact list (e.g., stored in application internal state 192 ofcontacts module 137 in memory 102 or memory 370), including: addingname(s) to the address book; deleting name(s) from the address book;associating telephone number(s), e-mail address(es), physicaladdress(es) or other information with a name; associating an image witha name; categorizing and sorting names; providing telephone numbers ore-mail addresses to initiate and/or facilitate communications bytelephone 138, video conference module 139, e-mail 140, or IM 141; andso forth.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, audio circuitry 110, speaker 111,microphone 113, touch screen 112, display controller 156, contact/motionmodule 130, graphics module 132, and text input module 134, telephonemodule 138 are optionally, used to enter a sequence of characterscorresponding to a telephone number, access one or more telephonenumbers in contacts module 137, modify a telephone number that has beenentered, dial a respective telephone number, conduct a conversation, anddisconnect or hang up when the conversation is completed. As notedabove, the wireless communication optionally uses any of a plurality ofcommunications standards, protocols, and technologies.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, audio circuitry 110, speaker 111,microphone 113, touch screen 112, display controller 156, optical sensor164, optical sensor controller 158, contact/motion module 130, graphicsmodule 132, text input module 134, contacts module 137, and telephonemodule 138, video conference module 139 includes executable instructionsto initiate, conduct, and terminate a video conference between a userand one or more other participants in accordance with user instructions.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112, displaycontroller 156, contact/motion module 130, graphics module 132, and textinput module 134, e-mail client module 140 includes executableinstructions to create, send, receive, and manage e-mail in response touser instructions. In conjunction with image management module 144,e-mail client module 140 makes it very easy to create and send e-mailswith still or video images taken with camera module 143.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112, displaycontroller 156, contact/motion module 130, graphics module 132, and textinput module 134, the instant messaging module 141 includes executableinstructions to enter a sequence of characters corresponding to aninstant message, to modify previously entered characters, to transmit arespective instant message (for example, using a Short Message Service(SMS) or Multimedia Message Service (MMS) protocol for telephony-basedinstant messages or using XMPP, SIMPLE, or IMPS for Internet-basedinstant messages), to receive instant messages, and to view receivedinstant messages. In some embodiments, transmitted and/or receivedinstant messages optionally include graphics, photos, audio files, videofiles and/or other attachments as are supported in an MMS and/or anEnhanced Messaging Service (EMS). As used herein, “instant messaging”refers to both telephony-based messages (e.g., messages sent using SMSor MMS) and Internet-based messages (e.g., messages sent using XMPP,SIMPLE, or IMPS).

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112, displaycontroller 156, contact/motion module 130, graphics module 132, textinput module 134, GPS module 135, map module 154, and music playermodule, workout support module 142 includes executable instructions tocreate workouts (e.g., with time, distance, and/or calorie burninggoals); communicate with workout sensors (sports devices); receiveworkout sensor data; calibrate sensors used to monitor a workout; selectand play music for a workout; and display, store, and transmit workoutdata.

In conjunction with touch screen 112, display controller 156, opticalsensor(s) 164, optical sensor controller 158, contact/motion module 130,graphics module 132, and image management module 144, camera module 143includes executable instructions to capture still images or video(including a video stream) and store them into memory 102, modifycharacteristics of a still image or video, or delete a still image orvideo from memory 102.

In conjunction with touch screen 112, display controller 156,contact/motion module 130, graphics module 132, text input module 134,and camera module 143, image management module 144 includes executableinstructions to arrange, modify (e.g., edit), or otherwise manipulate,label, delete, present (e.g., in a digital slide show or album), andstore still and/or video images.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112, displaycontroller 156, contact/motion module 130, graphics module 132, and textinput module 134, browser module 147 includes executable instructions tobrowse the Internet in accordance with user instructions, includingsearching, linking to, receiving, and displaying web pages or portionsthereof, as well as attachments and other files linked to web pages.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112, displaycontroller 156, contact/motion module 130, graphics module 132, textinput module 134, e-mail client module 140, and browser module 147,calendar module 148 includes executable instructions to create, display,modify, and store calendars and data associated with calendars (e.g.,calendar entries, to-do lists, etc.) in accordance with userinstructions.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112, displaycontroller 156, contact/motion module 130, graphics module 132, textinput module 134, and browser module 147, widget modules 149 aremini-applications that are, optionally, downloaded and used by a user(e.g., weather widget 149-1, stocks widget 149-2, calculator widget149-3, alarm clock widget 149-4, and dictionary widget 149-5) or createdby the user (e.g., user-created widget 149-6). In some embodiments, awidget includes an HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) file, a CSS(Cascading Style Sheets) file, and a JavaScript file. In someembodiments, a widget includes an XML (Extensible Markup Language) fileand a JavaScript file (e.g., Yahoo! Widgets).

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112, displaycontroller 156, contact/motion module 130, graphics module 132, textinput module 134, and browser module 147, the widget creator module 150are, optionally, used by a user to create widgets (e.g., turning auser-specified portion of a web page into a widget).

In conjunction with touch screen 112, display controller 156,contact/motion module 130, graphics module 132, and text input module134, search module 151 includes executable instructions to search fortext, music, sound, image, video, and/or other files in memory 102 thatmatch one or more search criteria (e.g., one or more user-specifiedsearch terms) in accordance with user instructions.

In conjunction with touch screen 112, display controller 156,contact/motion module 130, graphics module 132, audio circuitry 110,speaker 111, RF circuitry 108, and browser module 147, video and musicplayer module 152 includes executable instructions that allow the userto download and play back recorded music and other sound files stored inone or more file formats, such as MP3 or AAC files, and executableinstructions to display, present, or otherwise play back videos (e.g.,on touch screen 112 or on an external, connected display via externalport 124). In some embodiments, device 100 optionally includes thefunctionality of an MP3 player, such as an iPod (trademark of AppleInc.).

In conjunction with touch screen 112, display controller 156,contact/motion module 130, graphics module 132, and text input module134, notes module 153 includes executable instructions to create andmanage notes, to-do lists, and the like in accordance with userinstructions.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112, displaycontroller 156, contact/motion module 130, graphics module 132, textinput module 134, GPS module 135, and browser module 147, map module 154are, optionally, used to receive, display, modify, and store maps anddata associated with maps (e.g., driving directions, data on stores andother points of interest at or near a particular location, and otherlocation-based data) in accordance with user instructions.

In conjunction with touch screen 112, display controller 156,contact/motion module 130, graphics module 132, audio circuitry 110,speaker 111, RF circuitry 108, text input module 134, e-mail clientmodule 140, and browser module 147, online video module 155 includesinstructions that allow the user to access, browse, receive (e.g., bystreaming and/or download), play back (e.g., on the touch screen or onan external, connected display via external port 124), send an e-mailwith a link to a particular online video, and otherwise manage onlinevideos in one or more file formats, such as H.264. In some embodiments,instant messaging module 141, rather than e-mail client module 140, isused to send a link to a particular online video. Additional descriptionof the online video application can be found in U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/936,562, “Portable Multifunction Device, Method, andGraphical User Interface for Playing Online Videos,” filed Jun. 20,2007, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/968,067, “PortableMultifunction Device, Method, and Graphical User Interface for PlayingOnline Videos,” filed Dec. 31, 2007, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

Each of the above-identified modules and applications corresponds to aset of executable instructions for performing one or more functionsdescribed above and the methods described in this application (e.g., thecomputer-implemented methods and other information processing methodsdescribed herein). These modules (e.g., sets of instructions) need notbe implemented as separate software programs, procedures, or modules,and thus various subsets of these modules are, optionally, combined orotherwise rearranged in various embodiments. For example, video playermodule is, optionally, combined with music player module into a singlemodule (e.g., video and music player module 152, FIG. 1A). In someembodiments, memory 102 optionally stores a subset of the modules anddata structures identified above. Furthermore, memory 102 optionallystores additional modules and data structures not described above.

In some embodiments, device 100 is a device where operation of apredefined set of functions on the device is performed exclusivelythrough a touch screen and/or a touchpad. By using a touch screen and/ora touchpad as the primary input control device for operation of device100, the number of physical input control devices (such as push buttons,dials, and the like) on device 100 is, optionally, reduced.

The predefined set of functions that are performed exclusively through atouch screen and/or a touchpad optionally include navigation betweenuser interfaces. In some embodiments, the touchpad, when touched by theuser, navigates device 100 to a main, home, or root menu from any userinterface that is displayed on device 100. In such embodiments, a “menubutton” is implemented using a touchpad. In some other embodiments, themenu button is a physical push button or other physical input controldevice instead of a touchpad.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating exemplary components for eventhandling in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments,memory 102 (FIG. 1A) or 370 (FIG. 3) includes event sorter 170 (e.g., inoperating system 126) and a respective application 136-1 (e.g., any ofthe aforementioned applications 137-151, 155, 380-390).

Event sorter 170 receives event information and determines theapplication 136-1 and application view 191 of application 136-1 to whichto deliver the event information. Event sorter 170 includes eventmonitor 171 and event dispatcher module 174. In some embodiments,application 136-1 includes application internal state 192, whichindicates the current application view(s) displayed on touch-sensitivedisplay 112 when the application is active or executing. In someembodiments, device/global internal state 157 is used by event sorter170 to determine which application(s) is (are) currently active, andapplication internal state 192 is used by event sorter 170 to determineapplication views 191 to which to deliver event information.

In some embodiments, application internal state 192 includes additionalinformation, such as one or more of: resume information to be used whenapplication 136-1 resumes execution, user interface state informationthat indicates information being displayed or that is ready for displayby application 136-1, a state queue for enabling the user to go back toa prior state or view of application 136-1, and a redo/undo queue ofprevious actions taken by the user.

Event monitor 171 receives event information from peripherals interface118. Event information includes information about a sub-event (e.g., auser touch on touch-sensitive display 112, as part of a multi-touchgesture). Peripherals interface 118 transmits information it receivesfrom I/O subsystem 106 or a sensor, such as proximity sensor 166,accelerometer(s) 168, and/or microphone 113 (through audio circuitry110). Information that peripherals interface 118 receives from I/Osubsystem 106 includes information from touch-sensitive display 112 or atouch-sensitive surface.

In some embodiments, event monitor 171 sends requests to the peripheralsinterface 118 at predetermined intervals. In response, peripheralsinterface 118 transmits event information. In other embodiments,peripherals interface 118 transmits event information only when there isa significant event (e.g., receiving an input above a predeterminednoise threshold and/or for more than a predetermined duration).

In some embodiments, event sorter 170 also includes a hit viewdetermination module 172 and/or an active event recognizer determinationmodule 173.

Hit view determination module 172 provides software procedures fordetermining where a sub-event has taken place within one or more viewswhen touch-sensitive display 112 displays more than one view. Views aremade up of controls and other elements that a user can see on thedisplay.

Another aspect of the user interface associated with an application is aset of views, sometimes herein called application views or userinterface windows, in which information is displayed and touch-basedgestures occur. The application views (of a respective application) inwhich a touch is detected optionally correspond to programmatic levelswithin a programmatic or view hierarchy of the application. For example,the lowest level view in which a touch is detected is, optionally,called the hit view, and the set of events that are recognized as properinputs are, optionally, determined based, at least in part, on the hitview of the initial touch that begins a touch-based gesture.

Hit view determination module 172 receives information related to subevents of a touch-based gesture. When an application has multiple viewsorganized in a hierarchy, hit view determination module 172 identifies ahit view as the lowest view in the hierarchy which should handle thesub-event. In most circumstances, the hit view is the lowest level viewin which an initiating sub-event occurs (e.g., the first sub-event inthe sequence of sub-events that form an event or potential event). Oncethe hit view is identified by the hit view determination module 172, thehit view typically receives all sub-events related to the same touch orinput source for which it was identified as the hit view.

Active event recognizer determination module 173 determines which viewor views within a view hierarchy should receive a particular sequence ofsub-events. In some embodiments, active event recognizer determinationmodule 173 determines that only the hit view should receive a particularsequence of sub-events. In other embodiments, active event recognizerdetermination module 173 determines that all views that include thephysical location of a sub-event are actively involved views, andtherefore determines that all actively involved views should receive aparticular sequence of sub-events. In other embodiments, even if touchsub-events were entirely confined to the area associated with oneparticular view, views higher in the hierarchy would still remain asactively involved views.

Event dispatcher module 174 dispatches the event information to an eventrecognizer (e.g., event recognizer 180). In embodiments including activeevent recognizer determination module 173, event dispatcher module 174delivers the event information to an event recognizer determined byactive event recognizer determination module 173. In some embodiments,event dispatcher module 174 stores in an event queue the eventinformation, which is retrieved by a respective event receiver 182.

In some embodiments, operating system 126 includes event sorter 170.Alternatively, application 136-1 includes event sorter 170. In yet otherembodiments, event sorter 170 is a stand-alone module, or a part ofanother module stored in memory 102, such as contact/motion module 130.

In some embodiments, application 136-1 includes a plurality of eventhandlers 190 and one or more application views 191, each of whichincludes instructions for handling touch events that occur within arespective view of the application's user interface. Each applicationview 191 of the application 136-1 includes one or more event recognizers180. Typically, a respective application view 191 includes a pluralityof event recognizers 180. In other embodiments, one or more of eventrecognizers 180 are part of a separate module, such as a user interfacekit or a higher level object from which application 136-1 inheritsmethods and other properties. In some embodiments, a respective eventhandler 190 includes one or more of: data updater 176, object updater177, GUI updater 178, and/or event data 179 received from event sorter170. Event handler 190 optionally utilizes or calls data updater 176,object updater 177, or GUI updater 178 to update the applicationinternal state 192. Alternatively, one or more of the application views191 include one or more respective event handlers 190. Also, in someembodiments, one or more of data updater 176, object updater 177, andGUI updater 178 are included in a respective application view 191.

A respective event recognizer 180 receives event information (e.g.,event data 179) from event sorter 170 and identifies an event from theevent information. Event recognizer 180 includes event receiver 182 andevent comparator 184. In some embodiments, event recognizer 180 alsoincludes at least a subset of: metadata 183, and event deliveryinstructions 188 (which optionally include sub-event deliveryinstructions).

Event receiver 182 receives event information from event sorter 170. Theevent information includes information about a sub-event, for example, atouch or a touch movement. Depending on the sub-event, the eventinformation also includes additional information, such as location ofthe sub-event. When the sub-event concerns motion of a touch, the eventinformation optionally also includes speed and direction of thesub-event. In some embodiments, events include rotation of the devicefrom one orientation to another (e.g., from a portrait orientation to alandscape orientation, or vice versa), and the event informationincludes corresponding information about the current orientation (alsocalled device attitude) of the device.

Event comparator 184 compares the event information to predefined eventor sub-event definitions and, based on the comparison, determines anevent or sub event, or determines or updates the state of an event orsub-event. In some embodiments, event comparator 184 includes eventdefinitions 186. Event definitions 186 contain definitions of events(e.g., predefined sequences of sub-events), for example, event 1(187-1), event 2 (187-2), and others. In some embodiments, sub-events inan event (187) include, for example, touch begin, touch end, touchmovement, touch cancellation, and multiple touching. In one example, thedefinition for event 1 (187-1) is a double tap on a displayed object.The double tap, for example, comprises a first touch (touch begin) onthe displayed object for a predetermined phase, a first liftoff (touchend) for a predetermined phase, a second touch (touch begin) on thedisplayed object for a predetermined phase, and a second liftoff (touchend) for a predetermined phase. In another example, the definition forevent 2 (187-2) is a dragging on a displayed object. The dragging, forexample, comprises a touch (or contact) on the displayed object for apredetermined phase, a movement of the touch across touch-sensitivedisplay 112, and liftoff of the touch (touch end). In some embodiments,the event also includes information for one or more associated eventhandlers 190.

In some embodiments, event definition 187 includes a definition of anevent for a respective user-interface object. In some embodiments, eventcomparator 184 performs a hit test to determine which user-interfaceobject is associated with a sub-event. For example, in an applicationview in which three user-interface objects are displayed ontouch-sensitive display 112, when a touch is detected on touch-sensitivedisplay 112, event comparator 184 performs a hit test to determine whichof the three user-interface objects is associated with the touch(sub-event). If each displayed object is associated with a respectiveevent handler 190, the event comparator uses the result of the hit testto determine which event handler 190 should be activated. For example,event comparator 184 selects an event handler associated with thesub-event and the object triggering the hit test.

In some embodiments, the definition for a respective event (187) alsoincludes delayed actions that delay delivery of the event informationuntil after it has been determined whether the sequence of sub-eventsdoes or does not correspond to the event recognizer's event type.

When a respective event recognizer 180 determines that the series ofsub-events do not match any of the events in event definitions 186, therespective event recognizer 180 enters an event impossible, eventfailed, or event ended state, after which it disregards subsequentsub-events of the touch-based gesture. In this situation, other eventrecognizers, if any, that remain active for the hit view continue totrack and process sub-events of an ongoing touch-based gesture.

In some embodiments, a respective event recognizer 180 includes metadata183 with configurable properties, flags, and/or lists that indicate howthe event delivery system should perform sub-event delivery to activelyinvolved event recognizers. In some embodiments, metadata 183 includesconfigurable properties, flags, and/or lists that indicate how eventrecognizers interact, or are enabled to interact, with one another. Insome embodiments, metadata 183 includes configurable properties, flags,and/or lists that indicate whether sub-events are delivered to varyinglevels in the view or programmatic hierarchy.

In some embodiments, a respective event recognizer 180 activates eventhandler 190 associated with an event when one or more particularsub-events of an event are recognized. In some embodiments, a respectiveevent recognizer 180 delivers event information associated with theevent to event handler 190. Activating an event handler 190 is distinctfrom sending (and deferred sending) sub-events to a respective hit view.In some embodiments, event recognizer 180 throws a flag associated withthe recognized event, and event handler 190 associated with the flagcatches the flag and performs a predefined process.

In some embodiments, event delivery instructions 188 include sub-eventdelivery instructions that deliver event information about a sub-eventwithout activating an event handler. Instead, the sub-event deliveryinstructions deliver event information to event handlers associated withthe series of sub-events or to actively involved views. Event handlersassociated with the series of sub-events or with actively involved viewsreceive the event information and perform a predetermined process.

In some embodiments, data updater 176 creates and updates data used inapplication 136-1. For example, data updater 176 updates the telephonenumber used in contacts module 137, or stores a video file used in videoplayer module. In some embodiments, object updater 177 creates andupdates objects used in application 136-1. For example, object updater177 creates a new user-interface object or updates the position of auser-interface object. GUI updater 178 updates the GUI. For example, GUIupdater 178 prepares display information and sends it to graphics module132 for display on a touch-sensitive display.

In some embodiments, event handler(s) 190 includes or has access to dataupdater 176, object updater 177, and GUI updater 178. In someembodiments, data updater 176, object updater 177, and GUI updater 178are included in a single module of a respective application 136-1 orapplication view 191. In other embodiments, they are included in two ormore software modules.

It shall be understood that the foregoing discussion regarding eventhandling of user touches on touch-sensitive displays also applies toother forms of user inputs to operate multifunction devices 100 withinput devices, not all of which are initiated on touch screens. Forexample, mouse movement and mouse button presses, optionally coordinatedwith single or multiple keyboard presses or holds; contact movementssuch as taps, drags, scrolls, etc. on touchpads; pen stylus inputs;movement of the device; oral instructions; detected eye movements;biometric inputs; and/or any combination thereof are optionally utilizedas inputs corresponding to sub-events which define an event to berecognized.

FIG. 2 illustrates a portable multifunction device 100 having a touchscreen 112 in accordance with some embodiments. The touch screenoptionally displays one or more graphics within user interface (UI) 200.In this embodiment, as well as others described below, a user is enabledto select one or more of the graphics by making a gesture on thegraphics, for example, with one or more fingers 202 (not drawn to scalein the figure) or one or more styluses 203 (not drawn to scale in thefigure). In some embodiments, selection of one or more graphics occurswhen the user breaks contact with the one or more graphics. In someembodiments, the gesture optionally includes one or more taps, one ormore swipes (from left to right, right to left, upward and/or downward),and/or a rolling of a finger (from right to left, left to right, upwardand/or downward) that has made contact with device 100. In someimplementations or circumstances, inadvertent contact with a graphicdoes not select the graphic. For example, a swipe gesture that sweepsover an application icon optionally does not select the correspondingapplication when the gesture corresponding to selection is a tap.

Device 100 optionally also include one or more physical buttons, such as“home” or menu button 204. As described previously, menu button 204 is,optionally, used to navigate to any application 136 in a set ofapplications that are, optionally, executed on device 100.Alternatively, in some embodiments, the menu button is implemented as asoft key in a GUI displayed on touch screen 112.

In some embodiments, device 100 includes touch screen 112, menu button204, push button 206 for powering the device on/off and locking thedevice, volume adjustment button(s) 208, subscriber identity module(SIM) card slot 210, headset jack 212, and docking/charging externalport 124. Push button 206 is, optionally, used to turn the power on/offon the device by depressing the button and holding the button in thedepressed state for a predefined time interval; to lock the device bydepressing the button and releasing the button before the predefinedtime interval has elapsed; and/or to unlock the device or initiate anunlock process. In an alternative embodiment, device 100 also acceptsverbal input for activation or deactivation of some functions throughmicrophone 113. Device 100 also, optionally, includes one or morecontact intensity sensors 165 for detecting intensity of contacts ontouch screen 112 and/or one or more tactile output generators 167 forgenerating tactile outputs for a user of device 100.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary multifunction device with adisplay and a touch-sensitive surface in accordance with someembodiments. Device 300 need not be portable. In some embodiments,device 300 is a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a tablet computer,a multimedia player device, a navigation device, an educational device(such as a child's learning toy), a gaming system, or a control device(e.g., a home or industrial controller). Device 300 typically includesone or more processing units (CPUs) 310, one or more network or othercommunications interfaces 360, memory 370, and one or more communicationbuses 320 for interconnecting these components. Communication buses 320optionally include circuitry (sometimes called a chipset) thatinterconnects and controls communications between system components.Device 300 includes input/output (I/O) interface 330 comprising display340, which is typically a touch screen display. I/O interface 330 alsooptionally includes a keyboard and/or mouse (or other pointing device)350 and touchpad 355, tactile output generator 357 for generatingtactile outputs on device 300 (e.g., similar to tactile outputgenerator(s) 167 described above with reference to FIG. 1A), sensors 359(e.g., optical, acceleration, proximity, touch-sensitive, and/or contactintensity sensors similar to contact intensity sensor(s) 165 describedabove with reference to FIG. 1A). Memory 370 includes high-speed randomaccess memory, such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM, or other random access solidstate memory devices; and optionally includes non-volatile memory, suchas one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storagedevices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid state storagedevices. Memory 370 optionally includes one or more storage devicesremotely located from CPU(s) 310. In some embodiments, memory 370 storesprograms, modules, and data structures analogous to the programs,modules, and data structures stored in memory 102 of portablemultifunction device 100 (FIG. 1A), or a subset thereof. Furthermore,memory 370 optionally stores additional programs, modules, and datastructures not present in memory 102 of portable multifunction device100. For example, memory 370 of device 300 optionally stores drawingmodule 380, presentation module 382, word processing module 384, websitecreation module 386, disk authoring module 388, and/or spreadsheetmodule 390, while memory 102 of portable multifunction device 100 (FIG.1A) optionally does not store these modules.

Each of the above-identified elements in FIG. 3 is, optionally, storedin one or more of the previously mentioned memory devices. Each of theabove-identified modules corresponds to a set of instructions forperforming a function described above. The above-identified modules orprograms (e.g., sets of instructions) need not be implemented asseparate software programs, procedures, or modules, and thus varioussubsets of these modules are, optionally, combined or otherwiserearranged in various embodiments. In some embodiments, memory 370optionally stores a subset of the modules and data structures identifiedabove. Furthermore, memory 370 optionally stores additional modules anddata structures not described above.

Attention is now directed towards embodiments of user interfaces thatare, optionally, implemented on, for example, portable multifunctiondevice 100.

FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary user interface for a menu ofapplications on portable multifunction device 100 in accordance withsome embodiments. Similar user interfaces are, optionally, implementedon device 300. In some embodiments, user interface 400 includes thefollowing elements, or a subset or superset thereof:

-   -   Signal strength indicator(s) 402 for wireless communication(s),        such as cellular and Wi-Fi signals;    -   Time 404;    -   Bluetooth indicator 405;    -   Battery status indicator 406;    -   Tray 408 with icons for frequently used applications, such as:        -   Icon 416 for telephone module 138, labeled “Phone,” which            optionally includes an indicator 414 of the number of missed            calls or voicemail messages;        -   Icon 418 for e-mail client module 140, labeled “Mail,” which            optionally includes an indicator 410 of the number of unread            e-mails;        -   Icon 420 for browser module 147, labeled “Browser;” and        -   Icon 422 for video and music player module 152, also            referred to as iPod (trademark of Apple Inc.) module 152,            labeled “iPod;” and    -   Icons for other applications, such as:        -   Icon 424 for IM module 141, labeled “Messages;”        -   Icon 426 for calendar module 148, labeled “Calendar;”        -   Icon 428 for image management module 144, labeled “Photos;”        -   Icon 430 for camera module 143, labeled “Camera;”        -   Icon 432 for online video module 155, labeled “Online            Video;”        -   Icon 434 for stocks widget 149-2, labeled “Stocks;”        -   Icon 436 for map module 154, labeled “Maps;”        -   Icon 438 for weather widget 149-1, labeled “Weather;”        -   Icon 440 for alarm clock widget 149-4, labeled “Clock;”        -   Icon 442 for workout support module 142, labeled “Workout            Support;”        -   Icon 444 for notes module 153, labeled “Notes;” and        -   Icon 446 for a settings application or module, labeled            “Settings,” which provides access to settings for device 100            and its various applications 136.

It should be noted that the icon labels illustrated in FIG. 4A aremerely exemplary. For example, icon 422 for video and music playermodule 152 is labeled “Music” or “Music Player.” Other labels are,optionally, used for various application icons. In some embodiments, alabel for a respective application icon includes a name of anapplication corresponding to the respective application icon. In someembodiments, a label for a particular application icon is distinct froma name of an application corresponding to the particular applicationicon.

FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary user interface on a device (e.g.,device 300, FIG. 3) with a touch-sensitive surface 451 (e.g., a tabletor touchpad 355, FIG. 3) that is separate from the display 450 (e.g.,touch screen display 112). Device 300 also, optionally, includes one ormore contact intensity sensors (e.g., one or more of sensors 359) fordetecting intensity of contacts on touch-sensitive surface 451 and/orone or more tactile output generators 357 for generating tactile outputsfor a user of device 300.

Although some of the examples that follow will be given with referenceto inputs on touch screen display 112 (where the touch-sensitive surfaceand the display are combined), in some embodiments, the device detectsinputs on a touch-sensitive surface that is separate from the display,as shown in FIG. 4B. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive surface(e.g., 451 in FIG. 4B) has a primary axis (e.g., 452 in FIG. 4B) thatcorresponds to a primary axis (e.g., 453 in FIG. 4B) on the display(e.g., 450). In accordance with these embodiments, the device detectscontacts (e.g., 460 and 462 in FIG. 4B) with the touch-sensitive surface451 at locations that correspond to respective locations on the display(e.g., in FIG. 4B, 460 corresponds to 468 and 462 corresponds to 470).In this way, user inputs (e.g., contacts 460 and 462, and movementsthereof) detected by the device on the touch-sensitive surface (e.g.,451 in FIG. 4B) are used by the device to manipulate the user interfaceon the display (e.g., 450 in FIG. 4B) of the multifunction device whenthe touch-sensitive surface is separate from the display. It should beunderstood that similar methods are, optionally, used for other userinterfaces described herein.

Additionally, while the following examples are given primarily withreference to finger inputs (e.g., finger contacts, finger tap gestures,finger swipe gestures), it should be understood that, in someembodiments, one or more of the finger inputs are replaced with inputfrom another input device (e.g., a mouse-based input or stylus input).For example, a swipe gesture is, optionally, replaced with a mouse click(e.g., instead of a contact) followed by movement of the cursor alongthe path of the swipe (e.g., instead of movement of the contact). Asanother example, a tap gesture is, optionally, replaced with a mouseclick while the cursor is located over the location of the tap gesture(e.g., instead of detection of the contact followed by ceasing to detectthe contact). Similarly, when multiple user inputs are simultaneouslydetected, it should be understood that multiple computer mice are,optionally, used simultaneously, or a mouse and finger contacts are,optionally, used simultaneously.

FIG. 5A illustrates exemplary personal electronic device 500. Device 500includes body 502. In some embodiments, device 500 can include some orall of the features described with respect to devices 100 and 300 (e.g.,FIGS. 1A-4B). In some embodiments, device 500 has touch-sensitivedisplay screen 504, hereafter touch screen 504. Alternatively, or inaddition to touch screen 504, device 500 has a display and atouch-sensitive surface. As with devices 100 and 300, in someembodiments, touch screen 504 (or the touch-sensitive surface)optionally includes one or more intensity sensors for detectingintensity of contacts (e.g., touches) being applied. The one or moreintensity sensors of touch screen 504 (or the touch-sensitive surface)can provide output data that represents the intensity of touches. Theuser interface of device 500 can respond to touches based on theirintensity, meaning that touches of different intensities can invokedifferent user interface operations on device 500.

Exemplary techniques for detecting and processing touch intensity arefound, for example, in related applications: International PatentApplication Serial No. PCT/US2013/040061, titled “Device, Method, andGraphical User Interface for Displaying User Interface ObjectsCorresponding to an Application,” filed May 8, 2013, published as WIPOPublication No. WO/2013/169849, and International Patent ApplicationSerial No. PCT/US2013/069483, titled “Device, Method, and Graphical UserInterface for Transitioning Between Touch Input to Display OutputRelationships,” filed Nov. 11, 2013, published as WIPO Publication No.WO/2014/105276, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

In some embodiments, device 500 has one or more input mechanisms 506 and508. Input mechanisms 506 and 508, if included, can be physical.Examples of physical input mechanisms include push buttons and rotatablemechanisms. In some embodiments, device 500 has one or more attachmentmechanisms. Such attachment mechanisms, if included, can permitattachment of device 500 with, for example, hats, eyewear, earrings,necklaces, shirts, jackets, bracelets, watch straps, chains, trousers,belts, shoes, purses, backpacks, and so forth. These attachmentmechanisms permit device 500 to be worn by a user.

FIG. 5B depicts exemplary personal electronic device 500. In someembodiments, device 500 can include some or all of the componentsdescribed with respect to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 3. Device 500 has bus 512that operatively couples I/O section 514 with one or more computerprocessors 516 and memory 518. I/O section 514 can be connected todisplay 504, which can have touch-sensitive component 522 and,optionally, intensity sensor 524 (e.g., contact intensity sensor). Inaddition, I/O section 514 can be connected with communication unit 530for receiving application and operating system data, using Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), cellular, and/or otherwireless communication techniques. Device 500 can include inputmechanisms 506 and/or 508. Input mechanism 506 is, optionally, arotatable input device or a depressible and rotatable input device, forexample. Input mechanism 508 is, optionally, a button, in some examples.

Input mechanism 508 is, optionally, a microphone, in some examples.Personal electronic device 500 optionally includes various sensors, suchas GPS sensor 532, accelerometer 534, directional sensor 540 (e.g.,compass), gyroscope 536, motion sensor 538, and/or a combinationthereof, all of which can be operatively connected to I/O section 514.

Memory 518 of personal electronic device 500 can include one or morenon-transitory computer-readable storage mediums, for storingcomputer-executable instructions, which, when executed by one or morecomputer processors 516, for example, can cause the computer processorsto perform the techniques described below, including processes 800, 900,1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, and 2700 (FIGS. 8A-8B,9A-9B, 18A, 18B, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 27, respectively). Acomputer-readable storage medium can be any medium that can tangiblycontain or store computer-executable instructions for use by or inconnection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.In some examples, the storage medium is a transitory computer-readablestorage medium. In some examples, the storage medium is a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium. The non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium can include, but is not limited to, magnetic, optical,and/or semiconductor storages. Examples of such storage include magneticdisks, optical discs based on CD, DVD, or Blu-ray technologies, as wellas persistent solid-state memory such as flash, solid-state drives, andthe like. Personal electronic device 500 is not limited to thecomponents and configuration of FIG. 5B, but can include other oradditional components in multiple configurations.

As used here, the term “affordance” refers to a user-interactivegraphical user interface object that is, optionally, displayed on thedisplay screen of devices 100, 300, and/or 500 (FIGS. 1A, 3, and 5A-5B).For example, an image (e.g., icon), a button, and text (e.g., hyperlink)each optionally constitute an affordance.

As used herein, the term “focus selector” refers to an input elementthat indicates a current part of a user interface with which a user isinteracting. In some implementations that include a cursor or otherlocation marker, the cursor acts as a “focus selector” so that when aninput (e.g., a press input) is detected on a touch-sensitive surface(e.g., touchpad 355 in FIG. 3 or touch-sensitive surface 451 in FIG. 4B)while the cursor is over a particular user interface element (e.g., abutton, window, slider, or other user interface element), the particularuser interface element is adjusted in accordance with the detectedinput. In some implementations that include a touch screen display(e.g., touch-sensitive display system 112 in FIG. 1A or touch screen 112in FIG. 4A) that enables direct interaction with user interface elementson the touch screen display, a detected contact on the touch screen actsas a “focus selector” so that when an input (e.g., a press input by thecontact) is detected on the touch screen display at a location of aparticular user interface element (e.g., a button, window, slider, orother user interface element), the particular user interface element isadjusted in accordance with the detected input. In some implementations,focus is moved from one region of a user interface to another region ofthe user interface without corresponding movement of a cursor ormovement of a contact on a touch screen display (e.g., by using a tabkey or arrow keys to move focus from one button to another button); inthese implementations, the focus selector moves in accordance withmovement of focus between different regions of the user interface.Without regard to the specific form taken by the focus selector, thefocus selector is generally the user interface element (or contact on atouch screen display) that is controlled by the user so as tocommunicate the user's intended interaction with the user interface(e.g., by indicating, to the device, the element of the user interfacewith which the user is intending to interact). For example, the locationof a focus selector (e.g., a cursor, a contact, or a selection box) overa respective button while a press input is detected on thetouch-sensitive surface (e.g., a touchpad or touch screen) will indicatethat the user is intending to activate the respective button (as opposedto other user interface elements shown on a display of the device).

As used in the specification and claims, the term “characteristicintensity” of a contact refers to a characteristic of the contact basedon one or more intensities of the contact. In some embodiments, thecharacteristic intensity is based on multiple intensity samples. Thecharacteristic intensity is, optionally, based on a predefined number ofintensity samples, or a set of intensity samples collected during apredetermined time period (e.g., 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10seconds) relative to a predefined event (e.g., after detecting thecontact, prior to detecting liftoff of the contact, before or afterdetecting a start of movement of the contact, prior to detecting an endof the contact, before or after detecting an increase in intensity ofthe contact, and/or before or after detecting a decrease in intensity ofthe contact). A characteristic intensity of a contact is, optionally,based on one or more of: a maximum value of the intensities of thecontact, a mean value of the intensities of the contact, an averagevalue of the intensities of the contact, a top 10 percentile value ofthe intensities of the contact, a value at the half maximum of theintensities of the contact, a value at the 90 percent maximum of theintensities of the contact, or the like. In some embodiments, theduration of the contact is used in determining the characteristicintensity (e.g., when the characteristic intensity is an average of theintensity of the contact over time). In some embodiments, thecharacteristic intensity is compared to a set of one or more intensitythresholds to determine whether an operation has been performed by auser. For example, the set of one or more intensity thresholdsoptionally includes a first intensity threshold and a second intensitythreshold. In this example, a contact with a characteristic intensitythat does not exceed the first threshold results in a first operation, acontact with a characteristic intensity that exceeds the first intensitythreshold and does not exceed the second intensity threshold results ina second operation, and a contact with a characteristic intensity thatexceeds the second threshold results in a third operation. In someembodiments, a comparison between the characteristic intensity and oneor more thresholds is used to determine whether or not to perform one ormore operations (e.g., whether to perform a respective operation orforgo performing the respective operation), rather than being used todetermine whether to perform a first operation or a second operation.

In some embodiments, a portion of a gesture is identified for purposesof determining a characteristic intensity. For example, atouch-sensitive surface optionally receives a continuous swipe contacttransitioning from a start location and reaching an end location, atwhich point the intensity of the contact increases. In this example, thecharacteristic intensity of the contact at the end location is,optionally, based on only a portion of the continuous swipe contact, andnot the entire swipe contact (e.g., only the portion of the swipecontact at the end location). In some embodiments, a smoothing algorithmis, optionally, applied to the intensities of the swipe contact prior todetermining the characteristic intensity of the contact. For example,the smoothing algorithm optionally includes one or more of: anunweighted sliding-average smoothing algorithm, a triangular smoothingalgorithm, a median filter smoothing algorithm, and/or an exponentialsmoothing algorithm. In some circumstances, these smoothing algorithmseliminate narrow spikes or dips in the intensities of the swipe contactfor purposes of determining a characteristic intensity.

The intensity of a contact on the touch-sensitive surface is,optionally, characterized relative to one or more intensity thresholds,such as a contact-detection intensity threshold, a light press intensitythreshold, a deep press intensity threshold, and/or one or more otherintensity thresholds. In some embodiments, the light press intensitythreshold corresponds to an intensity at which the device will performoperations typically associated with clicking a button of a physicalmouse or a trackpad. In some embodiments, the deep press intensitythreshold corresponds to an intensity at which the device will performoperations that are different from operations typically associated withclicking a button of a physical mouse or a trackpad. In someembodiments, when a contact is detected with a characteristic intensitybelow the light press intensity threshold (e.g., and above a nominalcontact-detection intensity threshold below which the contact is nolonger detected), the device will move a focus selector in accordancewith movement of the contact on the touch-sensitive surface withoutperforming an operation associated with the light press intensitythreshold or the deep press intensity threshold. Generally, unlessotherwise stated, these intensity thresholds are consistent betweendifferent sets of user interface figures.

An increase of characteristic intensity of the contact from an intensitybelow the light press intensity threshold to an intensity between thelight press intensity threshold and the deep press intensity thresholdis sometimes referred to as a “light press” input. An increase ofcharacteristic intensity of the contact from an intensity below the deeppress intensity threshold to an intensity above the deep press intensitythreshold is sometimes referred to as a “deep press” input. An increaseof characteristic intensity of the contact from an intensity below thecontact-detection intensity threshold to an intensity between thecontact-detection intensity threshold and the light press intensitythreshold is sometimes referred to as detecting the contact on thetouch-surface. A decrease of characteristic intensity of the contactfrom an intensity above the contact-detection intensity threshold to anintensity below the contact-detection intensity threshold is sometimesreferred to as detecting liftoff of the contact from the touch-surface.In some embodiments, the contact-detection intensity threshold is zero.In some embodiments, the contact-detection intensity threshold isgreater than zero.

In some embodiments described herein, one or more operations areperformed in response to detecting a gesture that includes a respectivepress input or in response to detecting the respective press inputperformed with a respective contact (or a plurality of contacts), wherethe respective press input is detected based at least in part ondetecting an increase in intensity of the contact (or plurality ofcontacts) above a press-input intensity threshold. In some embodiments,the respective operation is performed in response to detecting theincrease in intensity of the respective contact above the press-inputintensity threshold (e.g., a “down stroke” of the respective pressinput). In some embodiments, the press input includes an increase inintensity of the respective contact above the press-input intensitythreshold and a subsequent decrease in intensity of the contact belowthe press-input intensity threshold, and the respective operation isperformed in response to detecting the subsequent decrease in intensityof the respective contact below the press-input threshold (e.g., an “upstroke” of the respective press input).

In some embodiments, the device employs intensity hysteresis to avoidaccidental inputs sometimes termed “jitter,” where the device defines orselects a hysteresis intensity threshold with a predefined relationshipto the press-input intensity threshold (e.g., the hysteresis intensitythreshold is X intensity units lower than the press-input intensitythreshold or the hysteresis intensity threshold is 75%, 90%, or somereasonable proportion of the press-input intensity threshold). Thus, insome embodiments, the press input includes an increase in intensity ofthe respective contact above the press-input intensity threshold and asubsequent decrease in intensity of the contact below the hysteresisintensity threshold that corresponds to the press-input intensitythreshold, and the respective operation is performed in response todetecting the subsequent decrease in intensity of the respective contactbelow the hysteresis intensity threshold (e.g., an “up stroke” of therespective press input). Similarly, in some embodiments, the press inputis detected only when the device detects an increase in intensity of thecontact from an intensity at or below the hysteresis intensity thresholdto an intensity at or above the press-input intensity threshold and,optionally, a subsequent decrease in intensity of the contact to anintensity at or below the hysteresis intensity, and the respectiveoperation is performed in response to detecting the press input (e.g.,the increase in intensity of the contact or the decrease in intensity ofthe contact, depending on the circumstances).

For ease of explanation, the descriptions of operations performed inresponse to a press input associated with a press-input intensitythreshold or in response to a gesture including the press input are,optionally, triggered in response to detecting either: an increase inintensity of a contact above the press-input intensity threshold, anincrease in intensity of a contact from an intensity below thehysteresis intensity threshold to an intensity above the press-inputintensity threshold, a decrease in intensity of the contact below thepress-input intensity threshold, and/or a decrease in intensity of thecontact below the hysteresis intensity threshold corresponding to thepress-input intensity threshold. Additionally, in examples where anoperation is described as being performed in response to detecting adecrease in intensity of a contact below the press-input intensitythreshold, the operation is, optionally, performed in response todetecting a decrease in intensity of the contact below a hysteresisintensity threshold corresponding to, and lower than, the press-inputintensity threshold.

Attention is now directed towards embodiments of user interfaces (“UI”)and associated processes that are implemented on an electronic device,such as portable multifunction device 100, device 300, or device 500.

FIGS. 6A-6MM illustrate exemplary user interfaces for generating andsending virtual avatars, in accordance with some embodiments. The userinterfaces in these figures are used to illustrate the processesdescribed below, including the processes in FIGS. 8A-8B and 9A-9B. FIGS.7A-7J illustrate exemplary user interfaces for receiving and playingvirtual avatars, in accordance with some embodiments. FIGS. 6A-6MM andFIGS. 7A-7J use virtual avatars as a specific example of a virtualavatar.

FIG. 6A depicts device 600 having display 601, which in some cases is atouch-sensitive display, and camera 602, which, at a minimum, includesan image sensor that is capable of capturing data representing a portionof the light spectrum (e.g., visible light, infrared light, orultraviolet light). In some embodiments, camera 602 includes multipleimage sensors and/or other types of sensors. In addition to capturingdata representing sensed light, in some embodiments, camera 602 iscapable of capturing other types of data, such as depth data. Forexample, in some embodiments, camera 602 also captures depth data usingtechniques based on speckle, time-of-flight, parallax, or focus. Imagedata that device 600 captures using camera 602 includes datacorresponding to a portion of the light spectrum for a scene within thefield of view of the camera. Additionally, in some embodiments, thecaptured image data also includes depth data for the light data. In someother embodiments, the captured image data contains data sufficient todetermine or generate depth data for the data for the portion of thelight spectrum. In some embodiments, device 600 includes one or morefeatures of devices 100, 300, or 500.

In some examples, electronic device 600 includes a depth camera, such asan infrared camera, a thermographic camera, or a combination thereof. Insome examples, the device further includes a light-emitting device(e.g., light projector), such an IR flood light, a structured lightprojector, or a combination thereof. The light-emitting device is,optionally, used to illuminate the subject during capture of the imageby a visible light camera and a depth camera (e.g., an IR camera) andthe information from the depth camera and the visible light camera areused to determine a depth map of different portions of subject capturedby the visible light camera. In some embodiments, a depth map (e.g.,depth map image) contains information (e.g., values) that relates to thedistance of objects in a scene from a viewpoint (e.g., a camera). In oneembodiment of a depth map, each depth pixel defines the position in theviewpoint's Z-axis where its corresponding two-dimensional pixel islocated. In some examples, a depth map is composed of pixels whereineach pixel is defined by a value (e.g., 0-255). For example, the “0”value represents pixels that are located at the most distant place in a“three dimensional” scene and the “255” value represents pixels that arelocated closest to a viewpoint (e.g., camera) in the “three dimensional”scene. In other examples, a depth map represents the distance between anobject in a scene and the plane of the viewpoint.) In some embodiments,the depth map includes information about the relative depth of variousfeatures of an object of interest in view of the depth camera (e.g., therelative depth of eyes, nose, mouth, ears of a user's face). In someembodiments, the depth map includes information that enables the deviceto determine contours of the object of interest in a z direction. Insome embodiments, the lighting effects described herein are displayedusing disparity information from two cameras (e.g., two visual lightcameras) for rear facing images and using depth information from a depthcamera combined with image data from a visual light camera for frontfacing images (e.g., selfie images). In some embodiments, the same userinterface is used when the two visual light cameras are used todetermine the depth information and when the depth camera is used todetermine the depth information, providing the user with a consistentexperience, even when using dramatically different technologies todetermine the information that is used when generating the lightingeffects. In some embodiments, while displaying the camera user interfacewith one of the lighting effects applied, the device detects selectionof a camera switching affordance and switches from the front facingcameras (e.g., a depth camera and a visible light camera) to the rearfacing cameras (e.g., two visible light cameras that are spaced apartfrom each other) (or vice versa) while maintaining display of the userinterface controls for applying the lighting effect and replacingdisplay of the field of view of the front facing cameras to the field ofview of the rear facing cameras (or vice versa).

In FIG. 6A, device 600 is displaying a home screen interface withmultiple icons for various applications, including icon 603 for amessaging application. In response to a gesture (e.g., tap gesture 604)on icon 603, device 600 displays the user interface in FIG. 6Bcorresponding to a messaging application associated with icon 603.

In FIG. 6B, device 600 is displaying messaging interface 608. Elements605-1 to 605-6 correspond to previous messaging communications. Eachelement 605-1 to 605-6 represents one communication with one or moreremote users that are each associated with their own electronic device.In response to a gesture (e.g., tap gesture 606) on a particularelement, device 600 updates messaging interface 608 to display a part ofa previous messaging communication with the remote user or users thatare part of the communication, as depicted in FIG. 6C.

In FIG. 6C, device 600 is displaying messaging interface 608 formessaging communications with the remote user called “John” (and havinginitials or a monogram of “JA”). Messaging interface 608 includesmessage area 609 that includes four previously exchanged messages 610-1to 610-3 (message 610-3 was sent from the user of device 600 to “John”while the other two messages were received by device 600 from “John”).Messaging interface 608 also includes message composition area 612 andmessage option icons, including icon 614 (e.g., that accesses aninterface for selecting stickers and/or other multimedia elements for amessage), to the left of message composition area 612. In someembodiments, the message option icons allow for sending different typesof messages, including photos, emojis, stickers, and other forms ofnon-textual messages, such as those described below.

In response to device 600 detecting selection of message compositionarea 612 (e.g., via tap gesture 616 of FIG. 6C), messaging interface 608is updated as depicted in FIG. 6D. For example, in FIG. 6D, the messageoption icons are hidden (but can be shown again by selection of button618), suggested message responses 620 are displayed, and virtualkeyboard 622 is displayed. In some cases, virtual keyboard 622 is usedto enter a new message to send to the remote user.

In FIG. 6E, message composition area 612 includes the text “runninglate,” which is entered, for example, via virtual keyboard 622 or othermethods, such as voice input. In response to selection of send button621, device 600 sends the text as part of a message to one or moreparticipants associated with the communication in message 609. In thecase of FIG. 6E, device 600 sends the message to the user called “John.”In FIG. 6F, device 600 has updated message area 609 to reflect thesending of the message by updating message area 612 to include message610-4.

In some cases, the message options icons are accessed to add to orcompose a new message (e.g., by adding non-textual content to themessage). For example, in response to device 600 detecting selection ofaffordance 618 (e.g., via tap gesture 624 in FIG. 6F), message optionicons, including icon 614, are displayed again, as depicted in FIG. 6G.In response to selection of icon 614 (e.g., via a gesture, such as tapgesture 626 in FIG. 6H), device 600 updates messaging interface 608, asdepicted in FIG. 6I, by replacing virtual keyboard 622 with multimediaitem interface 628, which is currently displaying a recent item menu 629(sometimes known as “tray” for recent items), which includes previouslysent multimedia items (e.g., stickers 630-1 to 630-4 in FIG. 6I, butother types of multimedia items, such as sound, animations, or videos,could also be included). Using this interface, a user can select apreviously sent multimedia item to send again. For example, a user canselect one of the stickers in recent item menu 629 of FIG. 6I via a tapgesture on the selected sticker. In response to such selection, device600 either places the sticker in message composition area 612 or sendsthe selected sticker to the one or more remote users that are involvedin the communication represented in message area 609. In someembodiments, a tap and drag gesture is used to place the selectedsticker (or other multimedia item) in either message composition area612 or message area 609 (and in some cases on a specific message). Forexample, a particular sticker is selected via a tap gesture. Withoutbreaking contact with touch-sensitive display 601, the sticker isdragged to either message composition area 612 or message area 609 via adrag gesture. Once the desired location of the sticker is reached,contact with touch-sensitive display 601 is ceased and the sticker isplaced at the last location of the contact. If the last location of thecontact is in message area 609, then the sticker is sent to the one ormore remote users associated with the communication represented inmessage area 609. Optionally, the sticker is sent to the remote userswith data associating the sticker with a particular message (e.g., thesticker is sent with data indicating a particular location of aparticular message to which the sticker is “stuck”). These techniquesare not specific to selecting and sending stickers. It can also apply toother types of multimedia items selectable from recent item menu 629 orother locations.

In FIG. 6I, multimedia item interface 628 also includes menu selectionbutton 632 (which allows for menus or interfaces other than recent itemmenu 629 to be selected via a display of buttons or other selectableitems corresponding to available menus) and full screen button 634(which allows for multimedia item interface 628 to expand to more of thedisplay (or the entire display). Full screen button 634 is furtherdescribed below.

In addition to using menu selection button 632 to switch between menusor interfaces, gestures are also optionally used to switch betweenmenus. For example, in response to a swipe gesture (e.g., a swiperepresented by contact 636's movement across multimedia item interface628 as depicted in FIGS. 6J and 6K), device updates multimedia iteminterface 628 to replace display of recent item menu 629 with virtualavatar menu 638. While recent item menu 629 is being replaced withvirtual avatar menu 638, scroll indicator 639 provides feedback abouthow many other menus are available in multimedia item interface 628.

In FIG. 6L, virtual avatar menu 638 has completely replaced display ofrecent item menu 629. In response to device 600 detecting selection ofcontinue affordance 640 (e.g., via a gesture such as tap gesture 642 ofFIG. 6M), virtual avatar interface 643 is displayed as depicted in FIG.6N. This interface allows users to generate new virtual avatars thatreflect a user's facial movements and expressions, as further describedbelow. In some embodiments, virtual avatar menu 638 is not displayed atall. Instead, virtual avatar interface 643 is displayed without firstdisplaying virtual avatar menu 638.

Virtual avatar interface 643 of FIG. 6N includes avatar templaterepresentations 644-1 to 644-7 that correspond to different avatarframeworks (e.g., avatar characters that have different appearances andbehavior). Each avatar template represents an avatar framework to whichdetected facial movements and expressions can be mapped. Indicator 645corresponds to a currently selected avatar template. Virtual avatarpreview 646 is a “live” preview of the virtual avatar in that it isupdated to reflect the user's current facial movements and expressions.For example, in some embodiments, using camera 602, device 600continuously captures image data from camera 602. The captured imagedata includes visible light data and depth data. Device 600 analyzes thecaptured image data to identify facial movements (e.g., musclemovements, head orientations, gaze direction, etc.) and/or facialexpressions (e.g., a smile, a frown, an angry expression, a sadexpression, a confused expression, etc.). Device 600 then updates avatarpreview 646 to reflect the detected characteristics of the user, inaccordance with the parameters of the avatar framework currentlyassociated with virtual avatar preview 646. In some embodiments, device600 starts continuously updating virtual avatar preview 646automatically in response to virtual avatar interface 643 firstexecuting or being displayed. Detecting selection of a representation ofa different avatar template will cause device 600 to update virtualavatar preview 646 based on the newly selected avatar template.

FIG. 6O depicts several examples of a user's face in captured image data650-1 to 650-5 and corresponding updates 651-1 to 651-5 to the virtualavatar preview. These are examples of device 600 updating emoji preview646 to reflect the user's facial movements, expressions, and poses. Incaptured image data 650-1, device 600 detects (for example, based onfacial features, muscles, movements, and/or expressions) that the useris looking straight ahead, smiling and/or happy. In response, device 600updates the virtual avatar preview to reflect the user's smile and/orhappy expression in addition to updating the virtual avatar preview'seyes to look straight ahead, as depicted in update 651-1. While thedetected physical feature of the user in the captured image data issometimes the same physical feature in the virtual avatar that isupdated so that the virtual avatar reflects the user, in other cases, adetected change in a user's physical feature results in an update of adifferent type of physical feature of the virtual avatar. For example,in FIG. 6O, changes in the user's eyebrows are mapped to the monkey'sears (or other feature) because the monkey does not have eyebrows, asshown by 650-2 and 651-2. In this example, the user's mouth and eyes aremapped to the monkey's mouth and eyes. In the example of image data650-3 and update 651-3, the user's unhappy expression and/or frown arereflected in the virtual avatar preview's corresponding features. Insome embodiments, if the user holds a facial expression or facial pose,as depicted by image 650-3 and 650-4, the virtual avatar preview isupdated with additional features, such as tears in the case of update651-4. This type of predefined update can also occur in response to alack of detected movement. In some embodiments, updates are also basedon detected user movement in image data. For example, device 600detecting rotation of the user's head results in an update thatsimilarly rotates the virtual avatar preview. In some embodiments,updates are also based on a physics model for features of the virtualavatar. For example, in image data 650-5, device 600 detects the user'shead is shaking. In response, device 600 generates update 651-5 toreflect the head shaking. Additionally, in update 651-5, the puppy'sears also stick out as a result of a physics model applied to thepuppy's ears.

In FIG. 6P, device 600 detects selection of record button 652 via agesture (e.g., tap gesture represented by contact 653). In response,virtual avatar interface 643 is updated to show that an animated virtualavatar is being generated, as depicted in FIG. 6Q. For example, recordbutton 652 is replaced with stop button 654, avatar templaterepresentations 644-1 to 644-7 are no longer displayed, and recordprogress indicator 656 is displayed that indicates how long the animatedemoji has been recorded and a relative amount of time that the virtualavatar can still be recorded. The recording can stop by any number ofmethods, such as by the expiration of a predetermined amount of time(e.g., 15 seconds) or by selection of stop button 654. In someembodiments, while recording, device 600 is detecting and/or storing aseries of data points that are used to create an animated virtualavatar. For example, in some embodiments, device 600 records a timeseries of facial movements and/or facial expressions (e.g., as values ofa range of possible values, with each value of the range of possiblevalues corresponding to a predetermined movement or expression), whichare then mapped onto an avatar template to create an animated virtualavatar. Alternatively, device 600 records the animated virtual avatar bycreating a video recording of the virtual avatar preview as device 600updates the virtual avatar preview to reflect the user's facialmovements and/or expressions. In some embodiments, device 600 alsorecords sound captured with a microphone of device 600 so that therecorded animated virtual avatar includes sounds that can be played backalong with the recorded animations of the virtual avatar.

FIG. 6R depicts a later point in time during the recording of ananimated virtual avatar. Virtual avatar preview 646 has been updated toreflect a newly detected facial movement and/or expression from theuser. Indicator 656 has also been updated to reflect the furtherprogress in recording the animated virtual avatar.

FIG. 6RA depicts device 600 detecting, during avatar recording, that theuser has altered their position, relative to the device. Specifically,at the point in time corresponding to FIG. 6RA, the user face is nolonger in the field of view of the camera. In response, device 600displays the virtual avatar at an edge of the avatar interface 643(e.g., an edge that corresponds to the last detected position of theuser's face), displays framing corners 653 around the virtual avatar,and displays message 655A (“Bring Your Face Into View”) to prompt theuser to adjust their alignment with respect to the device. In someembodiments, recording of the virtual avatar continues even after theuser's face is no longer detected in the field of view of the camera,though the virtual avatar will remain static (or assume a predeterminedpose (e.g., a neutral pose)) while the user's face is not detected.

FIG. 6RB depicts device 600 after the user has remained outside of thefield of the camera for longer than a predetermined threshold time. Inresponse to detecting that the user has remained outside the field ofview of the camera for longer than the predetermined time, device 600pauses the recording of the virtual avatar. As shown in 6RB, device 600has replaced stop button 654 with record button 648, in accordance withpausing of the recording. Device 600 also displays message 655B (“Tap ToResume”), indicating to the user that recording has been paused. In someembodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 6RC, a user may resume recordingby tapping (e.g., tap gesture 657) anywhere in avatar interface 643,including tapping record button 648, which resumes recording as shown inFIG. 6RD. Pausing recording the virtual avatar when the user hasremained outside of the field of view of the camera for longer than thepredetermined threshold amount of time, and requiring another input toresume recording, reduces energy usage and usage of the depth camerawhich prolongs the battery life of a device run on battery power andprolongs the life of the depth camera.

FIG. 6S depicts a yet later point in time during the recording of ananimated virtual avatar. Virtual avatar preview 646 has been updatedfurther to reflect a newly detected facial movement and/or expressionfrom the user. Indicator 656 has also been updated to reflect thefurther progress in recording the animated virtual avatar.

In FIG. 6S, a gesture (e.g., a tap gesture represented by contact 658)requesting recording of the animated virtual avatar to stop is received.In response, device 600 stops recording the animated virtual avatar andupdates the virtual avatar interface as depicted in FIG. 6T. In othercases, device 600 stops recording the animated virtual avatar andupdates the virtual avatar interface as depicted in FIG. 6T in responseto expiration of a predetermined time period (e.g., 15 seconds).

FIG. 6SA to 6SC depict another embodiment of the virtual avatarinterface 643 while recording (e.g., generating) a virtual avatar. Asshown in FIG. 6SA, device 600 displays a timer 659 (e.g., showing 10seconds remaining) indicating the time remaining in the current avatarrecording session (e.g., a session initiated by activating record button648). In FIG. 6SB, the same recording session has progressed for 4seconds and timer 659 now shows 6 seconds remaining in the avatarrecording session. In FIG. 6SC, the recording session has ended (i.e.,FIG. 6SC is a point in time 10 seconds later than FIG. 6SA). In responseto the recording session ending, device 600 replaces timer 659 with atrash can affordance 660-1 that can be activated (e.g., by a tapgesture) to discard the completed recording session. In someembodiments, trash can affordance 660-1 functions similarly to discardaffordance 660 of 6T and 6U to 6UA.

In FIG. 6T, virtual avatar interface 643 now plays recorded animatedvirtual avatar 659 in place of displaying the virtual avatar preview, asdepicted by the three snapshots of the playback of animated virtualavatar 659. In some embodiments, the recorded animated virtual avatar isplayed in loop (e.g., it is played at least twice without user input asindicated by the arrows in FIG. 6T). Virtual avatar interface 643 alsoincludes discard button 660, mute button 662, and confirm button 664(which is displayed in place of record button 652). Discard button 660discards the displayed recorded animated virtual avatar without savingit and without sending it to a remote user. Mute button 662 allows auser to mute the playback of sound from the recorded animated virtualavatar. Confirm button 664 allows the recorded animated virtual avatarto get sent to a remote user (e.g., sending directly to one or moreusers associated with the communication displayed in message area 609 inresponse to activation of confirm button 664 or moved to messagecomposition area 612 before a user sends the message). After device 600detects selection of confirm button 664, virtual avatar interface 643 isupdated to return to the state described with respect to FIG. 6N. Insome embodiments, confirm button 664 includes a glyph or icon that issimilar to or the same as a send glyph or icon (e.g., 670 in FIG. 6V)that is displayed in a send button for sending messages that are in amessage composition region to indicate that the recorded animatedvirtual avatar can be sent to the remote user by selecting the confirmbutton 664.

While animated virtual avatar 659 is playing, in response to tap gesture665 on a representation of a different avatar template than thecurrently selected template, the animated virtual avatar is updated toreflect the new avatar template without having to rerecord the animatedvirtual avatar. This is depicted in FIG. 6U, which depicts animatedvirtual avatar 659 having been replaced by animated virtual avatar 666.The recorded facial muscles, movements, features, and expressions usedto generate animated virtual avatar 659 in FIG. 6T are reapplied to thenewly selected avatar template in FIG. 6U.

In FIG. 6UA, while animated avatar 666 is playing, device 600 detects atap gesture 661 corresponding to selection of discard affordance 660. Inresponse, device 600 discards the captured animated avatar data (e.g.,forgoes adding the animated avatar to the message composition area 612)and transitions to the interface of FIG. 6UB. In FIG. 6UB, device 600displays a pre-recording avatar interface 643, similar to that seen inFIG. 6P (e.g., including a record button). In contrast to FIG. 6P, theavatar template remains that of a robot (e.g., virtual avatar 666),rather than returning to the monkey virtual avatar 659. That is,detection of the change from avatar 659 to avatar 666 during theplayback depicted in FIGS. 6T and 6U is preserved.

Referring back to FIG. 6T, in response to a gesture (e.g., a tap gesturerepresented by contact 667), device 600 adds the recorded animatedvirtual avatar 668 to message composition area 612 (see FIG. 6V) andreturns virtual avatar interface 643 to the state described in FIG. 6N(see FIG. 6V). The user can then add more message content (e.g., text orother multimedia items) to the message (see FIG. 6V) before device 600sends the message (e.g., in response to a tap gesture represented bycontact 672 on send affordance 670, as depicted in FIG. 6W).Alternatively, upon device 600 detecting selection of confirm button664, device 600 sends the recorded animated virtual avatar to one ormore remote users associated with the communication displayed in messagearea 609, which is then updated to reflect that animated virtual avatar668 has been sent to one or more users associated with the communicationincluded in message area 609, as depicted in FIG. 6X.

FIGS. 6Y-6BB depict the response of virtual avatar interface 643 to userinput scrolling through the list of avatar templates. For example, inresponse to swipe gestures (e.g., representation by the movement ofcontact 676 vertically across the avatar templates, as depicted in FIGS.6Y-6AA), device 600 scrolls the avatar templates and changes whichavatar template is currently selected. The avatar template presentwithin avatar template indicator 645 is updated based on the swipegesture. In response to detecting new avatar templates being selected,device 600 updates the virtual avatar preview. For example, in FIG. 6Z,when device 600 detects selection of avatar template representation644-5, virtual avatar preview 678 (which is based on an avatar templatecorresponding to representation 644-5) is displayed and in FIG. 6AA,when avatar template representation 644-8 is selected, virtual avatarpreview 680 (which is based on an avatar template corresponding torepresentation 644-8) is displayed.

In addition to generating a recording of animated puppet emoji, emojiinterface 643 also allows for generating static virtual avatars (e.g.,stickers with an expression/appearance that is determined based on thestate of a virtual avatar). For example, in FIG. 6CC, in response touser input (e.g., a tap and hold gesture represented by contact 682) onvirtual avatar preview 680, device 600 generates a sticker correspondingto the state of virtual avatar preview 680 at a time associated with theuser input (e.g., when the input was received, when it ended, or someother time associated with the user input). In embodiments, device 600displays sticker 683 (FIGS. 6DD and 6EE) being peeled off of virtualavatar preview 680 to indicate that a sticker has been generated and/orthat the user can place the sticker.

After device 600 generates a sticker, the user optionally chooses fromseveral operations for the sticker. For example, the user can causedevice 600 to place the sticker in the recent menu or other similarinterface that allows for later use. The user can also cause device 600to place the sticker in message composition area 612 before device 600sends a message that includes the sticker, the user can place thesticker in message area 609 (and optionally) on a specific message tocause device 600 to send the sticker to one or more users participatingin the communication in message area 609.

For example, in FIG. 6FF, device 600 has detected lift off of contact682 while contact was still over virtual avatar preview 680. Inresponse, device 600 has saved the generated sticker to device 600, suchas in a database or library in device 600's memory that is accessible byrecent item menu 629 (FIG. 6I) so that the sticker is optionallyselectable through recent item menu 629 or via other interfaces ondevice 600. Device 600 optionally shows that the sticker is being savelocally via an animation with different graphical versions 684 and 686,as depicted in FIGS. 6FF-6GG, moving towards menu selection button 632.

As another example, FIGS. 6HH-6KK show an example of device 600 sendinga generated sticker to one or more users participating in thecommunication represented in message area 609. In FIG. 6II, device 600detects user input on virtual avatar preview 680 (e.g., a tap and draggesture represented by contact 688 in FIGS. 6HH-6JJ that starts onvirtual avatar preview 680). Sticker representation 690 follows contact688 as device 600 detects the user dragging the sticker representationinto message area 609. Once device 600 detects lift off of contact 688in message area 609, device 600 sends sticker 691 to one or more remoteusers that are participants of the communication represented in messagearea 609, as depicted in FIG. 6KK.

in FIG. 6LL, device 600 updates virtual avatar interface 643 to displaymore of the screen (or in a full-screen mode) in response to selectionof full-screen button 634 (e.g., via a tap gesture represented bycontact 692 in FIG. 6LL). FIG. 6MM depicts virtual avatar interface 643after it is enlarged to use more of display 601. Button 692, whenselected, causes device 600 to return virtual avatar interface 643 toits previous configuration.

FIGS. 7A-7J depict messaging interface 608 after receiving an animatedemoji from a remote user. While FIGS. 7A-7J use device 600 of FIGS.6A-6MM as an example, the user interfaces and functionality depicted inFIGS. 7A-7J also apply to other devices (e.g., devices 100, 300, or500), including those that have not previously sent a sticker oranimated virtual avatar.

FIG. 7A depicts message interface 608 after having received animatedvirtual avatar 700 from the remote user named “John” (and has initialsor a monogram “JA”), just prior to playing the animated virtual avatar.After receiving it, device 600 plays animated virtual avatar 700automatically in some embodiments. Mute button 702, when selected,causes device 600 to mute any sound that is associated with animatedvirtual avatar 700. In some embodiments, any sound is also muted if theanimated virtual avatar is scrolled off of the display. In someembodiments, virtual avatar interface 643 is displayed as described withrespect to FIGS. 6A-6MM (e.g., virtual avatar interface 643 includes apreview virtual avatar based on detected facial movements/expressionsand a selected avatar template).

In FIG. 7B, in response to animated virtual avatar 700 being played once(e.g., played from start to finish, once), still frame 703 of animatedvirtual avatar 700 is displayed in place of the animated virtual avatar700. Replay button 704 is also displayed in message area 609 and allowsfor animated virtual avatar 700 to be played again by, for example, atap feature represented by contact 706 of FIG. 7C. FIG. 7D depictsdevice 600 playing animated virtual avatar 700 again (playing theanimated emoji is described with respect to FIG. 7A).

In some embodiments, while animated virtual avatar 700 is playing, ifdevice 600 receives user input on mute button 702 (e.g., a tap gesturerepresented by contact 708 of FIG. 7E), device 600 stops playing anysounds associated with animated virtual avatar 700 while continuing toplay animated virtual avatar 700 (e.g., animated virtual avatar 700still moves without sound). In some embodiments, in response toselection of mute button 702 (or if sound is turned off on device 600 ordevice 600 has accessibility features enabled) transcript button 714 isdisplayed, as depicted in FIG. 7H. In response to selection oftranscript button 714 (e.g., via a tap gesture represented by contact716 of FIG. 7G) transcript 718 of the sound for animated virtual avatar700 is displayed, as depicted in FIG. 7H. The content of transcript 718is generated local to device 600 or remotely (e.g., using remote servercomputing resources).

In response to user input on animated virtual avatar 700 (e.g., a tapand hold gesture represented by contact 720 in FIG. 7I), device 600displays a menu of options related to animated virtual avatar 700, asdepicted in FIG. 7J. For example, menu 722 includes several responsebuttons 723-1 to 723-6 that device 600 can send to one or more remoteusers participating in the communication represented in message area609. Additionally, menu 724 is also displayed having copy button 726,save button 728, and more button 730. Copy button 726 copies animatedvirtual avatar 700 to a clipboard of device 600. Save button 728 savesanimated virtual avatar 700 to device 600 (e.g., to a database orlibrary that can be later access by applications installed on device600). More button 730 displays additional operations that can beperformed with respect to animated virtual avatar 700.

FIGS. 8A-8B are a flow diagram illustrating a method for 800 using anelectronic device in accordance with some embodiments. Method 800 isperformed at a device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) with a display and acamera. Some operations in method 800 are, optionally, combined, theorder of some operations are, optionally, changed, and some operationsare, optionally, omitted.

As described below, method 800 provides an intuitive way for generatingand sending emojis, such as virtual avatars. The method reduces thecognitive burden on a user for generating and sending emojis, therebycreating a more efficient human-machine interface. For battery-operatedcomputing devices, enabling a user to generate and send emojis fasterand more efficiently conserves power and increases the time betweenbattery charges.

An electronic device (e.g., 600) having a camera (e.g., 602) (e.g.,configured with one or more sensors for capturing data representingvisible light, IR light, depth data, etc.) and a display (e.g., 601),displays (802) a virtual avatar generation interface (e.g. 643 of FIG.6N) (e.g., for selecting emojis (animated or static), generating staticstickers, and/or recording animated virtual avatars). The electronicdevice displays (804) a preview of a virtual avatar (e.g., 646 of FIG.6N) (e.g., a 2D or 3D computer generated graphical object, in some casesintended to convey a non-verbal message, such as an emotion or reaction)in the virtual avatar generation interface (e.g., an animated virtualavatar selected from multiple different available virtual avatartemplates). The preview of the virtual avatar reacts to changes in anappearance of a face that is in a field of view of the camera (e.g.,FIG. 6O) (e.g., the animated virtual avatar will reflect the user's headmovements, facial expressions, and orientation as detected in image datafrom one or more image sensors in the camera). While displaying thepreview of the virtual avatar, the electronic device detects (806) aninput (e.g., contact 652, 682, or 690) in the virtual avatar generationinterface. In response (808) to detecting the input in the virtualavatar generation interface and in accordance with a determination thatthe input starts on the preview of the virtual avatar (e.g., 682 or 690)(e.g., a touch and hold input on the animated virtual avatar or atrackpad input controlling a cursor), the electronic device generates(810) a static virtual avatar a sticker (e.g., 683 or 691) (e.g., astill image of the animated emoji that is “stickable” on a particularlocation in a message area) that represents an expression of the face inthe field of view of the camera at a respective time. In someembodiments, the respective time is determined based on a timing of theinput (e.g., at the time the input was first received, at the time theinput ended, at the time a gesture corresponding to the input started amoving across a touch-sensitive surface, or any other time related tothe input). In accordance with a determination that the input includesactivation of a record affordance (e.g., 648) in the virtual avatargeneration interface (e.g., a tap on a record affordance), theelectronic device generates (812) an animated virtual avatar (e.g., 668)that represents a sequences of changes in the expression of the face inthe field of view of the camera over a period of time (e.g., as shown inFIG. 6Q-6S). In some embodiments, the period of time is determined basedon a timing of the input (e.g., the period of time starts when the startof the input is detected, when the end of the input is detected, whensome sort of movement of the input, such as when the input is a gestureon a touch-sensitive surface, is detected, or some other period of timebased on the input). In some embodiments, the virtual avatar isthree-dimensional. In some embodiments, the preview of the virtualavatar (e.g., 646) or the animated virtual avatar (e.g., 659) isdisplayed in 3D. Disambiguating a user input between two possible stylesof communication (e.g., animated virtual avatars and static virtualavatars) avoids the need for separate interfaces to generate each typeof message content. Reducing the number of inputs needed to communicatea desired message enhances the operability of the device and makes theuser-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user toachieve an intended communication by allowing for multiple types ofmultimedia communication from a single interface) which, additionally,reduces power usage and improves battery life of the device by enablingthe user to use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the electronic device displays (814) a messaginginterface (e.g., interface 608) (e.g., a messaging application such asApple's Messages) including a message area (e.g., 609). The message areaincludes messages (e.g., 610-1 to 610-4) from two or more participants(e.g., in FIG. 6C, remote user “John” and the user of device 600) (e.g.,a message sent from the user of the electronic device and a messagereceived from a remote user of a different electronic device) of acommunication (e.g., the communication in message area 609 of FIG. 6N)(e.g., a messaging thread). The virtual avatar generation interface isdisplayed concurrently with the messaging interface (e.g., FIG. 6N)(e.g., the virtual avatar generation interface is display in the bottomhalf of the messaging interface). In some embodiments, the preview ofthe virtual avatar (e.g., 646) is displayed automatically as part of theinitial display of the virtual avatar generation interface.

In some embodiments, the messaging interface includes a messagecomposition area (e.g., 612) (e.g., a message entry area for enteringtext, emojis, and other content before sending the message to arecipient) and the input is a tap on the preview of the virtual avatar(e.g., 646). The electronic device, in response to detecting the inputin the virtual avatar generation interface, displays the static virtualavatar (e.g., 683 or 691) in the message composition area. In someembodiments, displaying the virtual avatar generation interface includesreplacing display of a virtual keyboard (e.g., 622) of the messaginginterface with display of the virtual avatar generation interface (e.g.,a transition from FIG. 6H to FIG. 6N, without intervening figures).Displaying multimedia content of a message prior to sending the messagereduces the likelihood of an erroneous message and allows a user to addmore content (e.g., via text or other content) prior to sending themessage. Reducing the number of messages needed to communicate a desiredmessage enhances the operability of the device and makes the user-deviceinterface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user to achieve anintended communication while reducing the number of messages needed forthe communication), which, additionally, reduces power usage andimproves battery life of the device by enabling the user to use thedevice more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the avatar generation interface includes a staticvirtual avatar area (e.g., 629) (e.g., a tray of previously generatedstickers displayed at the bottom of the avatar generation interface)that includes a collection of one or more previously generated virtualavatars (e.g., 630-1 to 630-4). In response to a user input (e.g., 682of FIG. 6CC), the electronic device adds (612) the generated virtualavatar to the collection of one or more previously generated virtualavatars (e.g., sending an avatar, marking a virtual avatar as a favoriteor otherwise marking the virtual avatar for inclusion in the collectionof virtual avatars). In some embodiments, the collection of virtualavatars (e.g., stickers) is displayed in response to a user input (e.g.626) (e.g., selection of a virtual avatar collection affordance in theavatar generation user interface or in the messaging user interface)(e.g., including a miniature version of the newly generated sticker inthe tray). In some embodiments, the tray of previously generatedstickers is hidden until an input (e.g., input 626) is received from theuser requesting display of the tray or until some other event detectedon the electronic device indicates that the tray is possibly relevant toa current state of the message interface or avatar generation interface.In some embodiments, after adding the virtual avatar to the collectionof virtual avatars, the electronic device receives, from the user arequest to share the collection of virtual avatars with a second userand in response, and the electronic device sends the collection ofvirtual avatars to the second user. Maintaining previously sent messagemultimedia content allows a user to add and reuse previous content whenapplicable to new messages. Eliminating the need to recreate contentenhances the operability of the device and makes the user-deviceinterface more efficient (e.g., by eliminating repetitive generation ofcontent) which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves batterylife of the device by enabling the user to use the device more quicklyand efficiently.

In some embodiments, the input starts (816) on the preview of thevirtual avatar (e.g., 680) and ends at a location within the messagearea (e.g., see FIGS. 6HH-6KK) (e.g., a gesture that starts with afinger contacting the preview of the virtual avatar (e.g., 680),continues with the finger dragging to the message area, and ends withthe lift off of the finger in the message area (in some cases, thegesture may end on a particular message in the message area and thesticker is associated with that particular message and, optionally,moves as that message moves in the conversation)). The electronic devicesends (818) the static virtual avatar (e.g., 691) to a participant(e.g., one or more remote users) associated with the communication(e.g., FIG. 6KK). In some embodiments, an animation is displayed inresponse to the gesture that shows the static virtual avatar beingpeeled off of the preview of the virtual avatar (FIGS. 6CC-6FF).

In some embodiments, the static virtual avatar (e.g., 691) has anappearance that is determined based on an expression of the face in thefield of view of the camera at the time that input (e.g., 688) wasdetected on the preview of the virtual avatar (e.g., 680). In someembodiments, the electronic device, in response to detecting the startof the input on the preview of the virtual avatar, causes the preview ofthe virtual avatar to cease (820) to react to changes in an appearanceof a face that is in a field of view of the camera. This indicates tothe user that the sticker has been generated and previews to the userthe appearance of the sticker that will be sent if the sticker isdragged to the communication displayed in message are 609 by sending itto a user. This enhances the operability of the device by showing apreview of the sticker that will be generated without the user having toperform additional interactions or completing the full stickergeneration gesture before seeing the resulting sticker, which makes foran improved and more efficient man-machine interface. This reduces powerusage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the user touse the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the preview of the virtual avatar (e.g., 680)resumes reacting to changes after the input moves away from the virtualavatar (e.g., the animation resumes when the static avatar is draggedtoward the message conversation). In some embodiments, the preview ofthe virtual avatar (e.g., 680) ceases to react to changes in theappearance of the face until the input that is dragging the staticavatar ends. Resuming the updates to the virtual avatar preview enablesthe user to compare the appearance of the sticker that was generated toother possible appearances of the virtual avatar that may potentially bethe basis for a different/additional sticker. This enhances theoperability of the device and makes the user-device interface moreefficient (e.g., by helping the user to achieve an intended result byproviding feedback about other content that can be generated before theuser sends the generated content) which, additionally, reduces powerusage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the user touse the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the electronic device, in response to expiration ofthe period of time (e.g., the expiration of a timer for 5, 10, or 15seconds or a user input that stops the period of time) for generatingthe animated virtual avatar, displays a send or confirmation affordance(e.g., 664) in place of the record affordance (e.g., a virtual recordbutton is no longer displayed and instead a virtual send button isdisplayed in place of the virtual record button). The electronic device,in response to receiving input selecting the send or confirmationaffordance (e.g., a tap gesture on the send affordance on atouch-sensitive display), sends (824) the generated animated virtualavatar to a remote user (e.g., see FIGS. 6U and 6X without first sendingthe animated virtual avatar to the message composition area 612 as shownin FIGS. 6V and 6W) (e.g., the animated virtual avatar is sent to aremote user associated with a messaging thread or session without theanimated virtual avatar being placed first into another area of themessaging interface, such as a message composition area). Displaying asend or confirmation button in place of a record button after therecording of the animated virtual avatar is completed enables moreinformation to be displayed in the interface by reusing areas occupiedfor buttons that are not applicable to the current state of theinterface and by providing the user with more contextually relevantfunctionality. This enhances the operability of the device and makes theuser-device interface more efficient (e.g., by displaying moreinformation/options on a display without cluttering the display withunused elements) which, additionally, reduces power usage and improvesbattery life of the device by enabling the user to use the device morequickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the electronic device, in response to expiration ofthe period of time for generating the animated virtual avatar, displays(822) a confirm affordance (e.g., 664) in place of the recordaffordance. In response to receiving input selecting the send affordance(e.g., via contact 667) (e.g., a tap gesture on the send affordance on atouch-sensitive display), the electronic device displays arepresentation of the animated virtual avatar (e.g., a static graphicalelement or the animated virtual avatar) in a message composition area(e.g., 612) of the messaging interface (e.g., FIG. 6V) (e.g., a regionof the messaging interface that would display text typed on thekeyboard). In some embodiments, the period of time is based on apredetermined amount of time (e.g., represented by progress indicator656). The electronic device, after generating the animated virtualavatar, ceases to display the preview of the virtual avatar anddisplaying a looping version of the animated virtual avatar (e.g., FIG.6T). The displaying of the looping version of the animated virtualavatar includes displaying the animation sequence two or more times(e.g., as described below with respect to method 900). Displaying a sendor confirmation button in place of a record button after the recordingof the animated virtual avatar is completed enables more information tobe displayed in the interface by reuse areas occupied for buttons thatare not applicable (or less applicable) to the current state of theinterface. This enhances the operability of the device and makes theuser-device interface more efficient (e.g., by displaying moreinformation/options on a display without cluttering the display withunused elements) which, additionally, reduces power usage and improvesbattery life of the device by enabling the user to use the device morequickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the looping version of the animated virtual avataris displayed using a first virtual avatar template (e.g., represented byelement 644-4, or another element indicated by indicator 645 of FIG.6N). The electronic device displays representations of a plurality ofother virtual avatar templates (e.g., elements 644-1 to 644-7) (e.g.,miniature generic versions of different virtual avatar templates, such asmiley faces, animals, robots, or other objects) including arepresentation of a second virtual avatar template (e.g., element 644-8of FIG. 6Z), wherein the second virtual avatar template is differentfrom the first virtual avatar template. In some embodiments, one or moreof the virtual avatar templates in the plurality of virtual avatartemplates are based on emojis that are available to be sent via themessaging application. The electronic device, after starting to displaythe looping version of the animated virtual avatar (e.g., FIG. 6T) andin response to receiving user input (e.g., 665) selecting the firstvirtual avatar template representation, updates the display of thelooping version of the animated virtual avatar to reflect the secondvirtual avatar template (e.g., FIG. 6U) (e.g., while the animatedvirtual avatar is still based on the sequences of changes in theexpression of the face, the animated virtual avatar's appearance ischange to reflect the new virtual avatar template. For example, theanimated virtual avatar may change from a monkey to a robot but it willstill reflect the same sequence of changes in the expression of the facein the field of view of the camera over time (e.g., see transition fromFIG. 6T to FIG. 6U). Updating animated virtual avatars based on newlyselected avatar templates allows a user to fine tune the multimediacontent for an intended message by allowing for the selection of thestyle of animated virtual avatar after recording the movements andactions of the animated virtual avatar. Eliminating the need to rerecordanimated virtual avatars to try new avatar templates enhances theoperability of the device and makes the user-device interface moreefficient (e.g., by eliminating repetitive generation of content) which,additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life of thedevice by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some embodiments, the preview of the virtual avatar (e.g., 646) isautomatically displayed in response to launching the virtual avatargeneration interface. In some embodiments, the preview of the virtualavatar is displayed, without user input, as soon as the virtual avatargeneration interface is displayed.

In some embodiments, the electronic device, in response to detecting acharacteristic (e.g., position, orientation, movement) of a firstphysical feature (e.g., a mouth smiling, a tongue sticking out, earwiggling, eye brows raise, or any other movement of any other physicalfeature) of the face in the field of view of the camera, updates a firstphysical feature of the displayed preview of the virtual avatar based onthe detected characteristic, wherein a type (e.g., eyes, eye brows,mouth, tongue, ears) of the first physical feature of the face is thesame as a type of the first physical feature of the displayed preview.In some embodiments, if a user's mouth opens, the virtual avatar's mouthwill open in response (e.g., FIG. 6O at 650-1 and 651-1). Similarresults can be based on facial expressions. For example, if one or moremovements of physical features or characteristics of the face aredetected, the electronic device may determine that a predefined emotionis being displayed. In response, the displayed preview of the virtualavatar may be updated to reflect the predefined motion by updating thecorresponding physical features or characteristics to reflect thedetected facial expression. Mapping physical features of the user tolike physical features of the virtual avatar enables a user to providemovements, expressions, and poses that provide inputs to the system thatintuitively map onto the virtual avatar, without the need for cumbersomeor time consuming touch or key inputs. This enhances the operability ofthe device and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., byhelping the user to achieve an intended result by mapping features ofthe user to the virtual avatar in a predictable manner and reducing usermistakes when operating/interacting with the device) which,additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life of thedevice by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some embodiments, the electronic device, in response to detecting acharacteristic of a second physical feature of the face in the field ofview of the camera, updates a second physical feature of the displayedpreview of the virtual avatar based on the detected the characteristic,wherein a type of the second physical feature of the face is differentthan a type of the second physical feature of the displayed preview(e.g., FIG. 6O movement of eyebrows of 650-2 and ears of 651-2). In someembodiments, if a user is smiling indicating that the user is happy, adifferent feature of the virtual avatar, such as a unicorn horn or alight on a robot, may change to reflect the smiling. Similar results canbe based on facial expressions. For example, if one or more movements ofphysical features or characteristics of the face are detected, theelectronic device may determine that a predefined emotion is beingdisplayed. In response, the displayed preview of the virtual avatar is,optionally, updated to reflect the predefined motion by updating adifferent set of physical features or characteristics to reflect thedetected facial expression. Mapping physical features of the user todifferent physical features of the virtual avatar enables a user toprovide movements, expressions, and poses that provide inputs to thesystem that map to features of the avatar that the user cannot otherwiseeasily control. This enhances the operability of the device and makesthe user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user toachieve an intended result by mapping features of the user to thevirtual avatar so that additional features of the virtual avatar arecontrolled and reducing user mistakes when operating/interacting withthe device) which, additionally, reduces power usage and improvesbattery life of the device by enabling the user to use the device morequickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the electronic device, the electronic device, inresponse to detecting movement of the face in the field of view of thecamera, updates a third physical feature of the displayed preview of thevirtual avatar based on a physics model for the virtual avatar and thedetected movement (e.g., FIG. 6O at 650-5 and 651-5). In someembodiments, for example, if the virtual avatar is based on a virtualavatar template for a puppy, then when the user's face is detected asshaking, the virtual avatar's face will shake and the virtual avatar'sears might stick out to reflect the physics of the shaking motion eventhough the user's ears did not stick out in response to the shaking. Insome embodiments, the same physical feature of the displayed preview ofthe virtual avatar is updated based on movement of the correspondingfeature of the face in the field of view of the camera and the physicsmodel (e.g., an ear moves based on the movement of the user's ear butalso based on a physics model for a floppy puppy ear). Updating thevirtual avatar based on a physics model for the virtual avatar enablesthe user to create a realistic and interactive virtual avatar that cancommunicate a wider range of non-verbal information. This enhances theoperability of the device and makes the user-device interface moreefficient (e.g., by helping the user to communicate an intended messageusing more realistic movements of the virtual avatar) which,additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life of thedevice by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some embodiments, the preview of the virtual avatar is based on apre-defined virtual avatar template (e.g., avatar template associatedwith representation 644-4 of FIG. 6N). The electronic device updates thepreview of the virtual avatar based on one or more predefined behaviorsassociated with the pre-defined virtual avatar template. In someembodiments, if no movement or change in facial expression is detected(e.g., 650-3 and 650-4) from the face in the field of view of thecamera, the preview of the virtual avatar shows a predefined response(e.g., 651-4), such as blinking eyes, rotating a head, making a facialexpression, or other action.

In some embodiments, the electronic device, in response to adetermination that the face is no longer detected in the field of viewof the camera (e.g., tracking of the face has failed because the facehas moved out of the field of view of the camera, the face has beenobscured from view of the camera, or the face has been repositioned sothat the device can no longer accurately track the movement of featureson the face), gradually fades the display of the preview of the virtualavatar (e.g., virtual avatar preview 646 would fade). In someembodiments, the device makes other modifications to the virtual avatarpreview to indicate that it can no longer track a user's face, such asdegrading the virtual avatar preview from last information that thedevice detected, including changing the size, rotation, motion, etc. ofthe virtual avatar preview. In some embodiments, the electronic device,in response to a determination that the face is no longer detected inthe field of view of the camera (e.g., tracking of the face has failedbecause the face has moved out of the field of view of the camera, theface has been obscured from view of the camera, or the face has beenrepositioned so that the device can no longer accurately track themovement of features on the face), displays a message indicating thatthe face is no longer being properly detected by the camera (e.g., adisplay prompt is displayed over virtual avatar 643 of FIG. 6N or inplace of virtual avatar preview 646 of FIG. 6N). In some embodiments,the electronic device, in response to a determination that the face isno longer detected in the field of view of the camera (e.g., tracking ofthe face has failed because the face has moved out of the field of viewof the camera, the face has been obscured from view of the camera, orthe face has been repositioned so that the device can no longeraccurately track the movement of features on the face), updates thedisplay of the preview of the virtual avatar based on a change inappearance of the face that was occurring during a time period before(e.g., immediately before or shortly before) the face was no longerdetected in the field of view (e.g., device 600 repeatedly displays atransition from a smile to a frown or a movement of eyes). In someembodiments, updating the display of the preview of the virtual avatarbased on a change in appearance of the face that was occurring during atime period before the face was no longer detected in the field of viewof the camera includes gradually slowing the updating of the preview ofthe virtual avatar over time so that the updating of the virtual avatargradually stops (e.g., an avatar that is turning slowly stops turning,eyes that are opening or closing slowly stop opening or closing, a mouththat was opening or closing slowly stops opening or closing). Displayingfeedback about whether the virtual avatar preview is tracking the user'sface enables the user to determine whether the device is being heldproperly and whether the conditions for detection of the user's face areproper. Providing improved feedback to the user of a state of thedevice, enhances the operability of the device, and makes theuser-device interface more efficient by providing better continuity ofthe user interface through indications that the device is still tryingto track the user's face. This provides for a better and more intuitiveman-machine interface and will result in the user continuing to interactwith the device even when the device cannot track the user's face.

Note that details of the processes described above with respect tomethod 800 (e.g., FIGS. 8A-8B) are also applicable in an analogousmanner to the methods described below. For example, method 900optionally includes one or more of the characteristics of the variousmethods described above with reference to method 800. For example, thegeneration of stickers described above with respect to method 800 isoptionally incorporated with the user interface described below withrespect to method 900. As another example, the muting of sound prior tosending an animated virtual avatar (e.g., an animated virtual avatar) asdescribed above with respect to method 800 is optionally incorporatedwith the user interface described below with respect to method 900. Forbrevity, these details are not repeated below.

The operations in the information processing methods described aboveare, optionally, implemented by running one or more functional modulesin an information processing apparatus such as general purposeprocessors (e.g., as described with respect to FIGS. 1A, 3, 5A) orapplication specific chips. Further, the operations described above withreference to FIGS. 8A and 8B are, optionally, implemented by componentsdepicted in FIGS. 1A-1B. For example, detecting an input in the virtualavatar generation interface (806) is, optionally, implemented by eventsorter 170, event recognizer 180, and event handler 190. Event monitor171 in event sorter 170 detects a contact on touch-sensitive surface604, and event dispatcher module 174 delivers the event information toapplication 136-1. A respective event recognizer 180 of application136-1 compares the event information to respective event definitions186, and determines whether a first contact at a first location on thetouch-sensitive surface corresponds to a predefined event or sub-event,such as selection of an object on a user interface. When a respectivepredefined event or sub-event is detected, event recognizer 180activates an event handler 190 associated with the detection of theevent or sub-event. Event handler 190 optionally utilizes or calls dataupdater 176 or object updater 177 to update the application internalstate 192. In some embodiments, event handler 190 accesses a respectiveGUI updater 178 to update what is displayed by the application.Similarly, it would be clear to a person having ordinary skill in theart how other processes can be implemented based on the componentsdepicted in FIGS. 1A-1B.

FIGS. 9A-9B are a flow diagram illustrating a method for 900 using anelectronic device in accordance with some embodiments. Method 900 isperformed at a device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) with a display and acamera. Some operations in method 900 are, optionally, combined, theorder of some operations are, optionally, changed, and some operationsare, optionally, omitted.

As described below, method 900 provides an intuitive way for generatingand sending emojis, such as virtual avatars. The method reduces thecognitive burden on a user for generating and sending emojis, therebycreating a more efficient human-machine interface. For battery-operatedcomputing devices, enabling a user to generate and send emojis fasterand more efficiently conserves power and increases the time betweenbattery charges.

An electronic device (e.g., 600), having a camera (e.g., configured withone or more sensors for capturing data representing visible light, IRlight, depth data, etc.) and a display (e.g., 601), displays (902) avirtual avatar generation interface (e.g., 643 of FIG. 6N) (e.g.,selecting emojis, generating static emojis, and recording animatedemojis). The electronic device displays (904) a preview of a virtualavatar (e.g., 646 of FIG. 6N) (e.g., a 2D or 3D computer generatedgraphical object, in some cases intended to convey a non-verbal message,such as an emotion or reaction) in the virtual avatar generationinterface (e.g., a moving emoji selected from multiple differentavailable emoji styles or templates). The preview of the virtual avatarreacts to changes in an appearance of a face that is in a field of viewof the camera (e.g., FIG. 6O) (e.g., the animated emoji will reflect theuser's head movements, facial expressions, and orientation as detectedin image data from the one or more image sensors). The electronic devicereceives (906) a request (e.g., contact 652) to generate an animatedvirtual avatar based on changing facial expressions of the face that isin the field of view of the camera. In response to receiving the requestto generate the animated virtual avatar, the electronic device records(908) (e.g., FIGS. 6Q-6S) a sequence of facial expressions of the facein the field of view of the camera (e.g., the sequence includes a seriesof data points that for provide a mapping of points that can be applieda virtual avatar template to generate the animated virtual avatar). Theelectronic device, after recording the facial expressions of the facethat is in the view of the camera, displays (910) a looping version(e.g., FIGS. 6T and 6U) of an animated virtual avatar (e.g., 659) thatincludes an animation sequence based on the sequence of facialexpressions recorded in response to the request to generate the animatedvirtual avatar (e.g., the animated virtual avatar is displaying bysequentially mapping the series of data points representing the recordedfacial expressions to a predefined animated virtual avatar template).The electronic device displays the looping version of the animatedvirtual avatar two or more times. In some embodiments, recording thesequence of facial expressions includes recording a time sequence ofvalues for discrete mapping points of a predefined virtual avatartemplate. Displaying a looping version of an animated virtual avatarenables the user to subsequently review the animated virtual avatarcontent to understand whether the appropriate message is beingcommunicated. Providing improved visual feedback to the user enhancesthe operability of the device, reduces the instances of errors, andmakes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping theuser to achieve an intended result by providing feedback indicative ofan input that will cause the device to generate the intended result andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some embodiments, the electronic device stops the recording of thesequence of facial expressions in response to the expiration of a timer(e.g., as represented by progress indicator 656) (e.g., a 5, 10, or 15second timer). In some embodiments, the electronic device stops therecording of the sequence of facial expressions in response to receivinguser input (e.g., contact 658) (e.g., a user tap on a virtual buttondisplayed on the display). Limiting the time of an animated virtualavatar recording enables a user to create animated virtual avatarrecordings while limiting the impact on the computing resources (e.g.,storage) of the device. This enhances the operability of the device bypreserving the device's computing resources.

In some embodiments, the electronic device replaces (912) display of thepreview with the display of the looping version of the animated virtualavatar (e.g., see transition from FIG. 6S to FIG. 6T) (e.g., in responseto the recording of the sequence of facial expressions being completed,the generated animated virtual avatar is played back to the user in aloop). Playing a looping version of the recorded animated emojiautomatically enables the user to review the animated emoji prior todeciding whether to send, delete, or save the animated emoji. Thisenhances the operability of the device and makes the user-deviceinterface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user to achieve anintended result by providing feedback indicative result before the usercommits to the result and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the request to generate the animated virtual avatarincludes the selection of a record affordance (e.g., 648) displayed inthe virtual avatar generation interface. The electronic device, afterrecording the facial expressions of the face that is in the view of thecamera, replaces display of the record affordance with a send or aconfirm affordance (e.g., 664). In some embodiments, the send affordanceoperates as explained above with respect to method 800. Recording ananimated virtual avatar in response to selection of a record affordanceenables a user to use the virtual avatar preview to verify that thedevice is tracking the user and the currently selected virtual avatartemplate is consistent with the message that the user wishes to convey.This enhances the operability of the device and makes the user-deviceinterface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user to achieve anintended result by providing a preview of the intended result prior tothe user generating the intended result and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the looping version of the animated virtual avataris displayed (918) using a first virtual avatar template (e.g., avatartemplate corresponding to element 644-4). The electronic device displaysrepresentations of a plurality of other virtual avatar templates (e.g.,elements 644-1 to 644-7) (e.g., miniature generic versions of differentvirtual avatar templates, such a smiley faces, animals, robots, or otherobjects) including a representation of a second virtual avatar template(e.g., element 644-8 of FIG. 6Z). The second virtual avatar template isdifferent from the first virtual avatar template. In some embodiments,one or more of the virtual avatar templates in the plurality of virtualavatar templates are based on emoji that are available to be sent viathe messaging application. After starting to display the looping versionof the animated virtual avatar and in response to receiving user inputselecting the first virtual avatar template representation, theelectronic device updates (922) the display of the looping version ofthe animated virtual avatar to reflect the second virtual avatartemplate (e.g., while the animated virtual avatar is still based on thesequences of changes in the expression of the face, the animated virtualavatar's appearance is change to reflect the new virtual avatartemplate). For example, the animated virtual avatar may change from amonkey to a robot but it will still reflect the same sequence of changesin the expression of the face in the field of view of the camera overtime (e.g., see transition from FIG. 6T to 6U). In some embodiments, theelectronic device displays (914) a plurality of representations ofvirtual avatar templates (e.g., miniature generic versions of differentvirtual avatar templates, such a smiley faces, animals, robots, or otherobjects) including a representation of a first virtual avatar template.In response to receiving user input corresponding to a selection of therepresentation of the first virtual avatar template, the electronicdevice updates (916) the display of the looping version of the animatedvirtual avatar to correspond to the first virtual avatar template (e.g.,changing the animation to be of a robot based on a robot virtual avatartemplate instead of a puppy based on a puppy virtual avatar templatewithout the user having to rerecord any facial expressions). Updatinganimated virtual avatars based on newly selected avatar templates allowsa user to fine tune the multimedia content for an intended message byallowing for the selection of the style of animated virtual avatar afterrecording the movements and actions of the animated virtual avatar.Eliminating the need to rerecord animated virtual avatars to preview newavatar templates enhances the operability of the device and makes theuser-device interface more efficient (e.g., by eliminating repetitivegeneration of content) which, additionally, reduces power usage andimproves battery life of the device by enabling the user to use thedevice more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the preview virtual avatar is based on a secondavatar template. In response to detecting a first characteristic of afirst physical feature (e.g., movement of a user's eyebrows) of the facein the field of view of the camera (e.g., 650-2 of FIG. 6O), theelectronic device updates (920) a first physical feature of thedisplayed preview of the virtual avatar based on the detected firstcharacteristic (e.g., causing the preview of the virtual avatar to moveits eyebrows). The first physical feature of the displayed preview has afirst feature type (e.g., an eyebrow). After receiving user inputcorresponding to the selection of the first graphical element (e.g.,switching the avatar template from a puppy to a monkey) and in responseto detecting a second characteristic of the first physical feature(e.g., movement of a user's eyebrows) of the face in the field of viewof the camera, the electronic device updates (922) a second physicalfeature (e.g., 651-2 of FIG. 6O) of the displayed preview of the virtualavatar based on the detected second characteristic (e.g., moving themonkey's ears), wherein the second physical feature of the displayedpreview has a second feature type (e.g., ears) different than the firstfeature type (e.g., eyebrows). Mapping the same physical feature of auser to different physical features of different avatar templatesenables the user to have a wider range of options for communicating amessage by having the same inputs produce a variety of virtual avatars.This enhances the operability of the device and makes the user-deviceinterface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user to achieve anintended message by providing more choices to convey the message) which,additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life of thedevice by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some embodiments, the electronic device, in response to receivinguser input corresponding to a request to scroll (e.g., via contact 676of FIGS. 6Y-6AA) the plurality of representations of virtual avatartemplates, scrolls the display of the plurality of representations ofvirtual avatar templates to display a second graphical element not partof the plurality of representations of virtual avatar templates. In someembodiments, the scrolling is based on a velocity of the user inputcorresponding to the request. Scrolling through virtual avatar templateenables a user to quickly see the different options for the virtualavatar. Additionally, scrolling the display of the plurality ofrepresentations of virtual avatar templates enables the user to see theprevious and next virtual avatar template. This enhances the operabilityof the device and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g.,by helping the user to achieve an intended result by providing feedbackindicative of an input that will cause the device to generate theintended result and reducing user mistakes when operating/interactingwith the device) which, additionally, reduces power usage and improvesbattery life of the device by enabling the user to use the device morequickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the speed of scrolling gradually decreases overtime after detecting an end of the user input (e.g., the scrollinggradually stops as though the plurality of representations of virtualavatars had an inertia that was being gradually slowed by friction).Gradually decreasing the speed of scroll over time enables the user tocontinue to see different virtual avatar template options without havingto provide additional input. This enhances the operability of the deviceand makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping theuser to achieve an intended result by providing feedback of possibleresults without requiring additional interaction and reducing usermistakes when operating/interacting with the device) which,additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life of thedevice by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some embodiments, the electronic device, in response to receiving theuser input corresponding to the request, generates audible output and/ortactile output that corresponds to the currently selected virtual avatartemplate changing from one virtual avatar template to a differentvirtual avatar template. For example, audible and/or tactile outputs aregenerated as each of a plurality of the representations of the virtualavatar templates scroll past a location that indicates a currentlyselected virtual avatar template. Generating audible or tactile feedbackenables the user to determine when a new selection has occurred. Thisenhances the operability of the device and makes the user-deviceinterface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user to achieve anintended result by providing feedback indicative of when a new selectionis made and reducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with thedevice) which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves batterylife of the device by enabling the user to use the device more quicklyand efficiently.

In some embodiments, the electronic device, in response to receivinguser input on the animated virtual avatar, the input corresponding to arequest to save the animated virtual avatar, stores data for theanimated virtual avatar to a database on the electronic device (e.g.,FIGS. 6CC-6GG). For example, the electronic device stores datarepresenting the animated virtual avatar to a directory or library innon-volatile storage in the electronic device.

In some embodiments, the electronic device receives a request (e.g.,contact 688) to send the animated virtual avatar to a remote user of aremote device (e.g., FIGS. 6HH-6KK). In accordance with a determinationthat the remote device meets a first set of criteria (e.g., the remotedevice has a required version of a required application to play thefirst version of the animated virtual avatar), the electronic devicesends a first version of the animated virtual avatar to a user of theremote device (e.g., sending non-graphical data representing therecorded sequence of facial expressions and an indication of an virtualavatar template so that the remote device can reproduce the animatedvirtual avatar). In accordance with a determination that the remotedevice does not meet the first set of criteria (e.g., the remote devicedoes not have an appropriate messaging application or version of amessaging application to play the first version of the animated virtualavatar), the electronic device sends a second version (e.g., sending avideo file representing the animated virtual avatar) of the animatedvirtual avatar different than the first version to the user of theremote device. Determining which version of an animated virtual avatarto send to a remote user saves the device's resource by sending only theminimal amount of compatible information to the remote user. Further,doing so reduces the need for the user to re-send information in a morecompatible format (e.g., in response to a remote user indicating thatthe initial format was not viewable). Efficient and effective datatransfer enhances the operability of the device, which, additionally,reduces power usage and improves battery life of the device by enablingthe user to use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the electronic device, while displaying the loopingversion of the animated virtual avatar, plays (924) audio data based onsound recorded while recording the sequence of facial expressions andbased on an audio filter associated with a predefined avatar template.In some embodiments, the electronic device, while displaying the loopingversion of the animated virtual avatar, plays audio data based on soundrecorded while recording the sequence of facial expressions. In responseto receiving user input corresponding to a selection of a muteaffordance (e.g., 662 of FIGS. 6T and 6U), the electronic device ceasesto play the audio data. Playing filtered audio for an animated virtualavatar based on a filter specific to the avatar template for the virtualavatar enables a user to more effectively communicate a message byproviding for more options in how the message is communicated and a moreengaging animated virtual avatar. This enhances the operability of thedevice and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., byhelping the user to achieve an intended message by providing the userwith more options on how the message is conveyed) which, additionally,reduces power usage and improves battery life of the device by enablingthe user to use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the electronic device, in response (926) toreceiving a request to send the animated virtual avatar to a remote userand in accordance with a determination that the request (e.g., contact667) to send the animated virtual avatar to the remote user was receivedwhile audio data associated with the display of the looping version ofthe animated virtual avatar was muted, sends (928) data representing theanimated virtual avatar to the remote user without sending the sounddata for the animated virtual avatar. In accordance with a determinationthat the request to send the animated virtual avatar to the remote userwas received while audio data associated with the display of the loopingversion of the animated virtual avatar was not muted, the electronicdevice sends (930) data representing the animated virtual avatar to theremote user along with sound data for the animated virtual avatar.Sending an animated virtual avatar without sound when the user has mutedthe sound in the playback of the animated virtual avatar enables theuser to efficiently choose whether sound is included in the message thatis sent to a remote user. This enhances the operability of the deviceand makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping theuser to achieve an intended result with minimal interactions) which,additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life of thedevice by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some embodiments, the electronic device, in response to receiving therequest (e.g., contact 652) to generate the animated virtual avatar,records a first face movement of the face that is in the view of thecamera, wherein displaying the looping version of an animated virtualavatar includes animating the virtual avatar based on a physics modelfor the animated virtual avatar and the first face movement (e.g., seeimage data 650-5 and update 651-5 of FIG. 6O). Updating the animatedvirtual avatar based on a physics model for the virtual avatar enablesthe user to create a realistic and interactive virtual avatar that cancommunicate a wider range of non-verbal communication. This enhances theoperability of the device and makes the user-device interface moreefficient (e.g., by helping the user to communicate an intended messageusing more realistic movements of the virtual avatar) which,additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life of thedevice by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some embodiments, the electronic device, in response to detectingthat a particular feature of the face that is in the view of the camerawhile recording the sequence of facial expressions is maintained in aparticular pose for more than a threshold amount of time (e.g., see650-4 and 650-5 of FIG. 6O), adds, to the animated virtual avatar, apredefined animated expression (e.g., see 651-5 of FIG. 6O) thatcorresponds to the particular pose of the face. For example, if the facehas a neutral expression for a predetermined period of time, apredefined movement, such as a head turn or a wink, is added to theanimated virtual avatar. As another example, if the face has an angryexpression for a predetermined period of time, one or more additionalfeatures, such as color or steam coming out of ears, that connote angerare added to the animated virtual avatar. Updating the animated virtualavatar based on the device detecting that a feature of the user's faceis maintained in a particular pose for a threshold amount of timeenables a user to add more actions to the animated virtual avatar thanis possible with only facial expressions, features, and movements. Thisenhances the operability of the device and makes the user-deviceinterface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user to achieve anintended result by providing additional mechanism to communicate actionsthat do not otherwise correspond to an easily achievable facialexpression, movement, or feature) which, additionally, reduces powerusage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the user touse the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the electronic device, while recording the sequenceof facial expression, in response receiving user input via an inputmechanism separate from the camera (e.g., a touch on a touch-sensitivesurface, a movement of the electronic device detected by motion sensors,activation of a button, or other input), adds a first facial expressionto the sequence of facial expressions (e.g., record a happy facialexpression, facial expression with a tongue sticking out, or any otherfacial expression that was not actually recorded as a facial expressionthat was made by the face in the field of view of the camera whilerecording facial expressions for inclusion in the animated virtualavatar). The first facial expression is based on the user input receivedvia the input mechanism. In some embodiments, while the animated virtualavatar is looping, the user can use touch screen controls to addadditional expressions to the animated virtual avatar, so that as theanimated virtual avatar is looping, the user can gradually addexpressions to the an animated virtual avatar, so that the animatedvirtual avatar includes the changes in expression selected by the user,even if those changes in expression differ from the changes inexpression recorded based on the facial expressions of the face in thefield of view of the camera (e.g., the user's face) when initiallycreating the animated virtual avatar. Updating the animated virtualavatar based on user input other than captured with a camera enables auser to add more actions to the animated virtual avatar than is possiblewith only facial expressions, features, and movements. This enhances theoperability of the device and makes the user-device interface moreefficient (e.g., by helping the user to achieve an intended result byproviding additional mechanism to communicate actions that do nototherwise correspond to an easily achievable facial expression,movement, or feature) which, additionally, reduces power usage andimproves battery life of the device by enabling the user to use thedevice more quickly and efficiently.

Note that details of the processes described above with respect tomethod 900 (e.g., FIGS. 9A-9B) are also applicable in an analogousmanner to the methods described above. For example, method 900optionally includes one or more of the characteristics of the variousmethods described above with reference to method 800. For example,displaying an animated virtual avatar preview based on a sequence ofrecord facial features, movements, and/or expressions and based on aframework associated with an avatar template as described with respectto method 900 can be applied to the sticker and animated virtual avatarinterface described with respect to method 800, above.

The operations in the information processing methods described aboveare, optionally, implemented by running one or more functional modulesin an information processing apparatus such as general purposeprocessors (e.g., as described with respect to FIGS. 1A, 3, and 5A) orapplication specific chips. Further, the operations described above withreference to FIGS. 9A and 9B are, optionally, implemented by componentsdepicted in FIGS. 1A-1B. For example, receiving a request to generate ananimated virtual avatar (906) is, optionally, implemented by eventsorter 170, event recognizer 180, and event handler 190. Event monitor171 in event sorter 170 detects a contact on touch-sensitive surface604, and event dispatcher module 174 delivers the event information toapplication 136-1. A respective event recognizer 180 of application136-1 compares the event information to respective event definitions186, and determines whether a first contact at a first location on thetouch-sensitive surface corresponds to a predefined event or sub-event,such as selection of an object on a user interface. When a respectivepredefined event or sub-event is detected, event recognizer 180activates an event handler 190 associated with the detection of theevent or sub-event. Event handler 190 optionally utilizes or calls dataupdater 176 or object updater 177 to update the application internalstate 192. In some embodiments, event handler 190 accesses a respectiveGUI updater 178 to update what is displayed by the application.Similarly, it would be clear to a person having ordinary skill in theart how other processes can be implemented based on the componentsdepicted in FIGS. 1A-1B.

FIGS. 10A-10I, 11A-11C, 12A-12C, 13, 14A-14D, 15A-15B, 16A-16B, and17A-17B illustrate exemplary user interfaces for generating andmodifying virtual avatars, in accordance with some embodiments. The userinterfaces in these figures are used to illustrate the processesdescribed below, including the processes in FIGS. 18A, 18B, 19, 20, 21,22, 23, 24, and 25.

In some embodiments, a virtual avatar is a representation of the userthat can be graphically depicted. In some embodiments, the virtualavatar is non-photorealistic (e.g., is cartoonish). In some embodiments,the avatar is an anthropomorphic construct such as stylized animal(e.g., avatars 1100, 1300, 1500, 1600, and 1700), a stylized robot(e.g., avatar 1400), or a stylization of a normally inanimate object(e.g., avatar 1000). In some embodiments, the virtual avatar includes anavatar face having one or more avatar features (e.g., avatar facialfeatures). In some embodiments, the avatar features correspond (e.g.,are mapped) to one or more physical features of a user's face such thatdetected movement of the user's physical feature affect the avatarfeature (e.g., affect the feature's graphical representation).

In some examples, a user is able to manipulate characteristics orfeatures of a virtual avatar using a camera sensor (e.g., camera 602)(e.g., camera module 143, optical sensor 164, depth camera sensor 175).As a user's physical features (such as facial features) and position(such as head position or head tilt) changes, the electronic devicedetects the changes and modifies the displayed image of the virtualavatar to reflect the changes in the user's physical features andposition. In some embodiments, the changes to the user's physicalfeatures and position are indicative of various expressions, emotions,context, tone, or other non-verbal communication. In some embodiments,the electronic device modifies the displayed image of the virtual avatarto represent these expressions, emotions, context, tone, or othernon-verbal communication.

FIGS. 10A-10I, 11A-11C, 12A-12C, 13, 14A-14D, 15A-15B, 16A-16B, 17A-17B,and 26A-26D illustrate exemplary user inputs and corresponding changesto exemplary virtual avatars (e.g., poo, bear, alien, rabbit, robot,unicorn, chicken, and pig avatars) displayed on an electronic device. Insome embodiments, the electronic device includes one or more elementsand/or features of devices 100, 300, and 500. The images on the leftside of FIGS. 10A-10I, 11A-11C, 12A-12C, 13, 14A-14D, 15A-15B, 16A-16B,17A-17B, 26A-26D represent images of a user as detected by theelectronic device when the user is within the field of view of one ormore cameras (e.g., camera 602) (e.g., camera module 143, optical sensor164, depth camera sensor 175) and/or other sensors (e.g., infraredsensors). In other words, the images of the user are from theperspective of the camera (e.g., camera 602) (e.g., camera module 143,optical sensor 164, depth camera sensor 175), which may be positioned onthe electronic device (e.g., device 100, 300, and 500) in someembodiments and, in other embodiments, may be positioned separate fromthe electronic device (e.g., an external camera or sensor passing datato the electronic device). In some embodiments, the borders of theimages on the left side of FIGS. 10A-10I, 11A-11C, 12A-12C, 13, 14A-14D,15A-15B, 16A-16B, 17A-17B, and 26A-26D represent the boundaries of thefield of view of the one or more cameras (e.g., 602) (e.g., cameramodule 143, optical sensor 164, depth camera sensor 175) and/or othersensors (e.g., infrared sensors). In some embodiments, the images of theuser are displayed on a display (e.g., touch screen 112, display 340,display 450, display 504) of the electronic device. In some embodiments,the image of the user is transmitted to an external electronic devicefor display. In some embodiments, the external electronic deviceincludes one or more elements and/or features of devices 100, 300, and500. In some embodiments, the image data of the user is collected andprocessed by the device, but is not immediately displayed on theelectronic device or transmitted to an external device.

Each of the images on the right side of FIGS. 10A-10I, 11A-11C, 12A-12C,13, 14A-14D, 15A-15B, 16A-16B, and 17A-17B illustrate a virtual avatar(e.g., poo avatar) in a state that is presented (e.g., displayed afterbeing modified) based on the corresponding detected image of the userlocated on the left side of the figure. In some embodiments, the virtualavatar is shown from the perspective of a user viewing the virtualavatar. In some embodiments, the virtual avatar is displayed on thedisplay of the electronic device (e.g., touch screen 112, display 340,display 450, display 504). In some embodiments, the virtual avatar istransmitted to the external electronic device for display. In someembodiments, the images on the right side of FIGS. 10A-10I, 11A-11C,12A-12C, 13, 14A-14D, 15A-15B, 16A-16B, and 17A-17B represent a positionof the virtual avatar within a display region of the display of theelectronic device (e.g., touch screen 112, display 340, display 450,display 504), and the borders of the images on the right side of FIGS.10A-10I, 11A-11C, 12A-12C, 13, 14A-14D, 15A-15B, 16A-16B, and 17A-17Brepresent the boundaries of the display region that includes the virtualavatar. In some embodiments, the display region represented in the rightside corresponds to an avatar display region of an application userinterface, such as virtual avatar interface 643, message compositionarea 612, message area 609 (or a portion thereof) discussed above.

In some embodiments, the magnitude of a reaction of an avatar feature(e.g., a discrete element of the avatar that can be moved or modifieddiscretely with respect to other avatar features) corresponds to amagnitude of a change in a physical feature of the user (e.g., adetected or tracked feature such as a user muscle, muscle group, oranatomical feature such as an eye). For example, the magnitude of thechange in the physical feature is, in some embodiments, determined inaccordance with a potential range of motion of the physical feature,wherein the magnitude is representative of a relative position of thephysical feature within the range of motion (e.g., the predicted ormodeled range of motion) of that physical feature. In such embodiments,the magnitude of the reaction of the avatar feature is similarly arelative position of the avatar feature within a range of motion of theavatar feature. In some embodiments, the magnitude of change isdetermined based on a comparison or measurement (e.g., a distance) ofthe starting position and ending position of the physical feature,through the change. In such embodiments, the change in the physicalfeature may be translated to a modification of the first avatar featureby applying the measured change in the physical feature to the avatarfeature (e.g., directly or as a scaled or adjusted value).

In some embodiments, modifications to an avatar feature have both amagnitude component and a directional component, with the directionalcomponent of the modification in the avatar feature being based on adirectional component of a change in one or more of the physicalfeatures that the avatar feature is reactive to. In some embodiments,the direction of a reaction of an avatar feature corresponds (e.g.,directly or inversely) to a relative direction of a change in a physicalfeature of the user, wherein the relative direction of the change in thephysical feature is determined based on a direction of movement of thephysical feature from an initial position (e.g., a neutral, restingposition of the physical feature or, in some embodiments, a position ofthe physical feature that is initially detected by the device). In someembodiments, the direction of the reaction of the avatar featurecorresponds directly (e.g., the physical feature moves up, the avatarfeature also moves up) to the relative direction of the change in thephysical feature. In other embodiments, the direction of the reaction ofthe avatar feature corresponds inversely (e.g., the physical featuremoves up, the avatar feature moves down) to the relative direction ofthe change in the physical feature.

In some embodiments, the directional component of the change in theavatar feature is mirrored with respect to the directional component ofthe change in the physical feature. For example, when the physicalfeature (e.g., user's mouth) moves left, the avatar feature (e.g.,avatar mouth) moves right. In some embodiments, the directionalcomponent of the change in the avatar feature is the same as thedirectional component of the change in the physical feature for movementalong a vertical axis and mirrored for movement along a horizontal axis,similar to the effect seen when looking in a mirror. In someembodiments, the neutral, resting position of a user's iris isdetermined to be a particular position (e.g., centered) relative to theperimeter of the user's eyeball.

FIG. 10A illustrates an exemplary embodiment illustrating the electronicdevice modifying a poo avatar 1000 in response to detecting changes in auser's facial features. The poo avatar is shown having four displayedstates (1011A, 1011B, 1011C, and 1011D), with each of the four displayedstates of the poo avatar corresponding, respectively, to four detectedstates of the user (1001A, 1001B, 1001C, and 1001D). Specifically, ineach displayed state in FIG. 10A, the electronic device positions ormodifies features of the poo avatar in response to detecting a position,or change in position, of one or more of the physical features, such asfacial features, of the user detected in the respective states of theuser. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10A, the detected facial featuresof the user include the user's mouth 1020 (having corners 1020A and1020B) and the user's eyebrows 1022. In some embodiments, trackedphysical features may include other facial features such as eyelids,irises, muscles, muscle groups, and so forth. In the embodiment of FIG.10A, the features of the poo avatar include an avatar face 1000C, mouth1030, avatar eyes 1032, an upper portion 1034 of the avatar, a lowerportion 1036 of the avatar, and (in certain states) avatar eyebrows1038.

As illustrated in 1001A, the electronic device detects a neutral facialexpression of the user. For example, the electronic device detects thatthe user's mouth 1020 and eyebrows 1022 are positioned in a relaxed,neutral state, and not in a position that is associated with aparticular facial expression (e.g., a smile or frown). In response todetecting the neutral facial expression of the user, the electronicdevice displays the poo avatar 1000 having a neutral expression (e.g., aneutral state) in 1011A. Specifically, the electronic device displaysthe poo avatar having an avatar mouth 1030 that is in a relaxed, neutralstate, and not in a position that is typically associated with aparticular facial expression (e.g., a smile or frown). In someembodiments, the neutral position of the avatar corresponds to otherrepresentations of a related image, such as a static poo emoji that maybe found in messaging applications. In addition, the electronic devicedisplays the poo avatar's face 1000C without eyebrows 1038 and displaysthe avatar eyes 1032 looking in a direction perpendicular to the display(or a plane of focus of the camera (e.g., camera 143, optical sensor164)). The electronic device also displays the upper portion 1034 of thepoo avatar situated in a neutral, upright position above the lowerportion 1036.

As illustrated in 1001B, the electronic device detects a position of theuser's mouth 1020 forming a smiling facial expression (e.g., one or bothof the corners 1020A and 1020B of the user's mouth are positioned in anupward pose (e.g., an upward position) to form the smiling facialexpression). In response to detecting the position of the user's mouth1020, the electronic device modifies the display of the avatar mouth1030 to have a smiling expression, such that the avatar mouth 1030 hasan opened, smiling position as shown in 1011B. As shown in 1011B, theeyes 1032, upper portion 1034, and lower portion 1036 remain unchangedwith respect to their original positions in 1011A.

As illustrated in 1001C, the electronic device detects a frowning facialexpression of the user. In some embodiments, the electronic devicedetects a frowning facial expression by detecting one or both of thecorners 1020A and 1020B of the user's mouth positioned in a downwardpose (e.g., a downward position) and the user's eyebrows 1022 in adownward position (e.g., furrowed or positioned lower on the user's facewhen compared to the position of the eyebrows 1022 when in the relaxed,neutral state in 1001A and 1001B). In response to detecting the user'sfrowning facial expression, the electronic device modifies the pooavatar to have a frowning, drooping face as shown in 1011C. For example,the electronic device modifies the poo avatar such that the corners ofthe avatar's mouth 1030 are turned down with a slightly opened positionof the mouth 1030, and the lower portion 1036 of the poo avatar iscurved downward similar to the turned-down position of the poo avatar'smouth 1030. In the embodiment of FIG. 10A, while the electronic devicedetects the downward position of the user's eyebrows 1022, nomodifications are made to the anatomically corresponding portion of thepoo avatar that is above the avatar eyes 1032.

In some embodiments, the electronic device modifies the poo avatar tohave the drooping face shown in 1011C by displaying an animation of themouth 1030 turning down and the lower portion 1036 curving down as themouth 1030 is moving to the turned-down position. In some embodiments,the electronic device further modifies the poo avatar such that a tip1040 of the poo avatar is slumped or tilted down when the poo avatarmakes the drooping face. In some embodiments, the position of tip 1040is based, specifically, on the position of the user's eyebrows 1022 (aphysical feature that does not anatomically correspond to the tip 1040).In some embodiments, the electronic device modifies the poo avatar toreturn to its neutral position when the user is no longer making thefrowning expression. In such embodiments, the electronic device modifiesthe poo avatar to return to the neutral state in 1011A by displaying ananimation of the mouth 1030 moving to the neutral position and the lowerportion 1036 moving back to its neutral position. In some embodiments,returning the poo avatar from the drooping face to the neutral stateincludes the electronic device displaying the tip 1040 of the poo avatarstraightening to its neutral position.

As illustrated in 1001D, the electronic device detects the corners 1020Aand 1020B of the user's mouth are slightly raised and the user'seyebrows 1022 are in a raised position (e.g., positioned higher on theuser's face when compared to the position of the eyebrows 1022 when inthe relaxed, neutral state shown in 1001A and 1001B). In response todetecting the positions of the corners 1020A and 1020B of the user'smouth 1020, the electronic device modifies the display of the poo avatarsuch that the corners of the avatar's mouth 1030 are slightly raised tomatch the position of the corners 1020A and 1020B of the user's mouth1020. In response to detecting the raised position of the user'seyebrows 1022, the electronic device modifies the poo avatar byintroducing eyebrows 1038 positioned above the poo avatar's eyes 1032 ina raised position (e.g., to convey the impression that the poo avatar1000 is raising its eyebrows 1038), and extending the upper portion 1034of the poo avatar in an upward direction (e.g., by extending a tip 1040of the poo avatar, while maintaining the original position of the lowerportion 1036). In the embodiment shown in 1001D and 1011D, theelectronic device introduces the avatar's eyebrows 1038 and extends thetip 1040 of the poo avatar when the user's eyebrows 1022 are raised. Insome embodiments, the electronic device removes the avatar eyebrows 1038and relaxes the tip 1040 when the user's eyebrows 1022 return to theirneutral position. In some embodiments, the electronic device removes thepoo avatar's eyebrows 1038 by animating the eyebrows 1038 movingdownward towards the poo avatar's eyes 1032 and disappearing into thepoo avatar's face 1000C above the eyes 1032.

FIG. 10B illustrates an exemplary embodiment illustrating the electronicdevice modifying the poo avatar in response to detecting changes in theuser's facial features, with the modifications to the poo avatarincluding moving avatar features in an exaggerated manner. In someembodiments, exaggerating the features of the virtual avatar allows auser to affect maximum changes to the avatar feature, without having touncomfortably change the corresponding feature(s) of their face. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 10B, the user can cause the avatar to open itsmouth as wide as possible (e.g., in a surprised expression) withouthaving to uncomfortably open the user's mouth (e.g., without having toopen the user's mouth to the maximum range of predicted or determinedrange of motion of the user's mouth).

The poo avatar is shown in FIG. 10B having three displayed states(1012A, 1012B, and 1012C), with each of the three displayed states ofthe poo avatar corresponding, respectively, to three detected states ofthe user (1002A, 1002B, and 1002C). Specifically, in each displayedstate in FIG. 10B, the electronic device positions or modifies featuresof the poo avatar in response to detecting a position, or change inposition, of one or more of the physical features, such as facialfeatures, of the user detected in the respective states of the user. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 10B, the detected facial features of theuser include the user's mouth 1020. In some embodiments, trackedphysical features may include other facial features such as eyelids,irises, muscles, muscle groups, and so forth. In the embodiment of FIG.10B, the features of the poo avatar include an avatar mouth 1030, avatareyes 1032, an upper portion 1034 of the avatar, and a lower portion 1036of the avatar.

As illustrated in 1002A, the electronic device detects a first state ofthe user in which the user's mouth 1020 is slightly opened (e.g., 10% ofthe maximum range of predicted or determined range of motion of theuser's mouth). In response to detecting the slightly opened mouth 1020of the user, the electronic device modifies the poo avatar, as shown in1012A, such that the mouth 1030 of the poo avatar has an opened position(e.g., 20% of the maximum range of a modeled range of motion for theavatar's mouth) that is greater (e.g., within their respective ranges ofmotion) than that of the user's mouth 1020, while leaving unchangedother features of the avatar, such as the poo avatar's eyes 1032, upperportion 1034, and lower portion 1036.

As illustrated in 1002B, the electronic device detects a change in theuser's facial features in which the user's mouth 1020 is opened wider(e.g., 25% of the maximum range of predicted or determined range ofmotion of the user's mouth) than it was in state 1002A. In response todetecting the user's mouth 1020 transitioning from the slightly openedposition in 1002A to the wider opening in 1002B, the electronic devicemodifies the poo avatar's mouth 1030 to increase in size, as shown in1012B, such that the mouth 1030 has an opened position that is evengreater (e.g., 50% of the maximum range of the modeled range of motionfor the avatar's mouth) than shown in 1012A, while still maintaining thepositioning of the other avatar features, including the poo avatar'seyes 1032, upper portion 1034, and lower portion 1036.

As illustrated in 1002C, the electronic device detects yet anotherchange in the user's facial features in which the user's mouth 1020 isopened even wider (e.g., 50% of the maximum range of predicted ordetermined range of motion of the user's mouth) than it was in 1002B. Inresponse to detecting the user's mouth 1020 transitioning from theopened position in 1002B to the wider opening in 1002C, the electronicdevice modifies the poo avatar's mouth 1030 to further increase in size,as shown in 1012C, such that the mouth 1030 has an opened position thatis even greater (e.g., 100% of the maximum range of the modeled range ofmotion for the avatar's mouth) than that shown in 1012B. In 1012C,however, the opening of the mouth 1030 is larger than the height of thelower portion 1036. As a result, the electronic device expands the lowerportion 1036 of the poo avatar 1000 at 1042 to maintain the structuralintegrity of the poo avatar 1000 in response to the user's opened mouth1020. In other words, to maintain consistent positioning of the avatarand its features in response to the user's opened mouth 1020, the devicemodifies one or more interconnected portions of the virtual avatar(e.g., the lower portion 1036). For example, as shown in 1012C, theelectronic device expands the lower portion 1036 of the poo avatar,which is adjacent the avatar mouth 1030, at region 1042 to accommodatethe increased size of the enlarged avatar mouth 1030. If the electronicdevice did not modify the lower portion 1036 in this manner, theenlarged mouth 1030 would extend beyond the structure of the virtualavatar, thereby potentially impeding the context and/or tone the userintends to communicate using the virtual avatar.

In some embodiments, the increase in size of the avatar mouth 1030(e.g., from the position illustrated in 1012A to the positionillustrated in 1012B, or from the position illustrated in 1012B to theposition illustrated in 1012C) is not proportional to the increase insize of the user's mouth 1020 (e.g., from the position illustrated in1002A to the position illustrated in 1002B, or from the positionillustrated in 1002B to the position illustrated in 1002C), but ratheris scaled to provide an exaggerated rate of change in size. For example,in some embodiments the scale is a multiplication factor of two suchthat the relative opened position of the avatar's mouth is two times therelative opened position of the user's mouth. For example, if the user'smouth is opened 10% of the maximum range of motion of the user's mouth,the electronic device displays the avatar's mouth opened 20% of themaximum range of the modeled range of motion of the avatar's mouth.

FIG. 10C illustrates an exemplary embodiment illustrating the electronicdevice modifying the poo avatar in response to detecting changes in auser's physical features, wherein the modifications to the poo avatarinclude rotating (e.g., tilting) an upper portion of the poo avatarforward and backward while keeping a lower portion of the poo avatarstationary. The electronic device displays the poo avatar having threedisplayed states (1013A, 1013B, and 1013C), with each of the threedisplayed states of the poo avatar corresponding, respectively, to threedetected states of the user (1003A, 1003B, and 1003C). Specifically, ineach displayed state in FIG. 10C, the electronic device positions ormodifies features of the poo avatar in response to detecting a position,or change in position, of one or more of the physical features, such asfacial features, of the user detected in the respective states of theuser. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10C, the physical features of theuser include the user's face 1024, chin 1026, and head 1028. In someembodiments, tracked physical features may include other facial featuressuch as eyelids, irises, muscles, muscle groups, and so forth. In theembodiment of FIG. 10C, the features of the poo avatar include an avatarmouth 1030, avatar eyes 1032, an upper portion 1034 of the avatar(including a tip 1040 of the poo avatar), and a lower portion 1036 ofthe avatar.

As illustrated in 1003A, the electronic device detects the user's face1024 having a position rotated in an upward direction. For example, theuser has lifted their chin 1026 and tilted their head 1028 back (e.g.,away from the plane of view of the camera (e.g., camera 143, opticalsensor 164)) to position their face 1024 in an upward direction. Inresponse to detecting the upward position of the user's face 1024, theelectronic device modifies the poo avatar to look up by tilting theupper portion 1034 of the poo avatar in a direction away from thedisplay (e.g., back—away from a plane of focus of the camera (e.g.,camera 143, optical sensor 164)) as shown in 1013A. In this back-tiltedposition, the electronic device displays the tip 1040 of the poo avatarpositioned towards a back side of the poo avatar 1000 to illustrate ashifted position of the tip 1040 when modifying the poo avatar to lookup. In addition, the electronic device modifies the eyes 1032 of the pooavatar to look up (e.g., by shifting the pupil or iris 1032A of the pooavatar towards the top of the avatar eye 1032) as shown in 1013A. Whilethe electronic device tilts the upper portion 1034 of the poo avatar andmodifies the eyes 1032 to look up, the electronic device leaves otherfeatures of the poo avatar unchanged. For example, the electronic devicemaintains the position of the avatar mouth 1030 and fixes the positionof the lower portion 1036 of the poo avatar such that the electronicdevice shows the upper portion 1034 rotated backward about an axis(e.g., an x-axis) extending along a width of the lower portion 1036.

As illustrated in 1003B, the electronic device detects the user's face1024 having a position rotated in a downward direction. For example, theuser has lowered (or tucked) their chin 1026 and tilted their head 1028forward (e.g., towards the plane of focus of the camera (e.g., camera143, optical sensor 164)) to position their face 1024 in a downwarddirection. In response to detecting the downward position of the user'sface 1024, the electronic device modifies the poo avatar to look down bytilting the upper portion 1034 of the poo avatar in a direction towardsthe display (e.g., forward—towards a plane of focus of the camera (e.g.,camera 143, optical sensor 164)) as shown in 1013B. In thisforward-tilted position, the electronic device displays the tip 1040 ofthe poo avatar positioned towards a front side of the poo avatar toillustrate a shifted position of the tip 1040 when modifying the pooavatar to look down. In addition, the electronic device modifies theeyes 1032 of the poo avatar to look down (e.g., by shifting the pupil oriris 1032A of the poo avatar towards the bottom of the avatar eye 1032)as shown in 1013B. While the electronic device tilts the upper portion1034 of the poo avatar and modifies the eyes 1032 to look down, theelectronic device leaves other features of the poo avatar unchanged. Forexample, the electronic device maintains the position of the avatarmouth 1030, and fixes the position of the lower portion 1036 of the pooavatar such that the electronic device shows the upper portion 1034rotated forward about an axis (e.g., an x-axis) extending along a widthof the lower portion 1036.

As illustrated in 1003C, the electronic device detects the position ofthe user (specifically, the position of the user's face 1024 and head1028) is in the downward-rotated position shown in 1003B, but is alsoshifted downward within the field of view of the camera (e.g., camera143, optical sensor 164) from the position shown in 1003B. In response,the electronic device displays the poo avatar 1000 in the forward-tiltedposition shown in 1013B, but also shifted downward within the displayedregion in 1013C to mirror the downward direction of the user's shiftwithin the field of view of the camera.

FIG. 10D illustrates an exemplary embodiment illustrating the electronicdevice modifying the poo avatar in response to detecting changes in auser's physical features, wherein the modifications to the poo avatarinclude rotating an upper portion of the poo avatar while keeping alower portion of the poo avatar stationary. The poo avatar is shownhaving four displayed states (1014A, 1014B, 1014C, and 1014D), with eachof the four displayed states of the poo avatar corresponding,respectively, to four detected states of the user (1004A, 1004B, 1004C,and 1004D). In each displayed state in FIG. 10D, the electronic devicepositions or modifies features of the poo avatar in response todetecting a position, or change in position, of one or more of thephysical features, such as facial features, of the user detected in therespective states of the user. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10D, thephysical features of the user include the user's mouth 1020, face 1024,head 1028, and shoulders 1021. In some embodiments, tracked physicalfeatures may include other facial features such as eyelids, irises,muscles, muscle groups, and so forth. In the embodiment of FIG. 10D, thefeatures of the poo avatar include an avatar mouth 1030, avatar eyes1032, an upper portion 1034 of the avatar (including a tip 1040 of thepoo avatar), and a lower portion 1036 of the avatar.

As illustrated in 1004A, the electronic device detects the user's head1028 and, optionally, the user's face 1024 (or various physical featurescomprising the face 1024), rotated to the user's right side while theuser's shoulders 1021 remain positioned forward. In response, theelectronic device modifies the poo avatar, as shown in 1014A, bytwisting the upper portion 1034 of the poo avatar to the right (whilekeeping the lower portion 1036 stationary) so that the twisting motionof the virtual avatar mirrors the rightward rotating movement of theuser's head 1028 and face 1024. The electronic device also detects thesmiling pose of the user's mouth 1020 and modifies the avatar mouth 1030to smile. As shown in 1014A, the electronic device twists the upperportion 1034 of the poo avatar about an axis 1051 (e.g., y-axis) thatextends vertically through the center of the poo avatar. When theelectronic device twists the upper portion 1034 of the poo avatar to theright, the electronic device also shifts the tip 1040 of the poo avatarto the left, moves the eyes 1032 of the poo avatar to the right, andincreases the amount of wrinkles 1034A or layers formed in the upperportion 1034 of the poo avatar, thereby giving the poo avatar acontorted appearance that includes a slight twisting 1070 of the lowerportion 1036, which is modeled based on an interconnected relationshipbetween the upper portion 1034 and the lower portion 1036. Thesemodifications to the poo avatar provide an animated effect that mimicsthe physical movements of the user, even though portions of the avatar(e.g., the tip 1040 of the poo avatar) do not necessarily correspondanatomically to physical features of the user.

1004B and 1014B illustrate a similar effect in which the electronicdevice detects the user's head 1028 and, optionally, the user's face1024 (or various physical features comprising the face 1024), rotated tothe user's left side while the user's shoulders 1021 remain positionedforward. In response, the electronic device modifies the poo avatar, asshown in 1014B, by twisting the upper portion 1034 of the poo avatar tothe left (while keeping the lower portion 1036 stationary) so that thetwisting motion of the virtual avatar mirrors the leftward rotatingmovement of the user's head 1028 and face 1024. As shown in 1014B, theelectronic device twists the upper portion 1034 of the poo avatar aboutaxis 1051 extending vertically through the center of the poo avatar.When the electronic device twists the upper portion 1034 of the pooavatar to the left, the electronic device also shifts the tip 1040 ofthe poo avatar to the right, moves the eyes 1032 of the poo avatar tothe left, and increases the amount of wrinkles 1034A or layers formed inthe upper portion 1034 of the poo avatar, thereby giving the poo avatara contorted appearance that includes a slight twisting 1070 of the lowerportion 1036, which is modeled based on an interconnected relationshipbetween the upper portion 1034 and the lower portion 1036.

In some embodiments, the electronic device does not track movement(e.g., rotational movement) or positioning of the user's shoulders 1021so that the user may affect change in the virtual avatar without havingto maintain a fixed orientation or position in front of the camera(e.g., camera 143, optical sensor 164). For example, as shown in 1004Cthe user's shoulders 1021 are tilted or turned to the user's right, butthe lower portion 1036 of the poo avatar remains fixed as shown in1014C. The electronic device does, however, detect the user's head 1028and, optionally, the user's face 1024, rotated to the user's right side.Thus, as shown in 1014C, the electronic device modifies the poo avataraccordingly as discussed above with respect to 1014A, without furthermodifying the poo avatar in response to the user turning their shoulders1021. A similar effect is shown in 1004D and 1014D wherein the user'sshoulders 1021 are tilted or turned to the user's left along with theuser's head 1028, and the electronic device modifies the poo avatar asdiscussed above with respect to 1014B, without further modifying the pooavatar (e.g., the lower portion 1036) in response to the user turningtheir shoulders 1021.

FIG. 10E illustrates an exemplary embodiment illustrating the electronicdevice modifying the poo avatar in response to detecting changes in auser's physical features, wherein the modifications to the poo avatarinclude tilting an upper portion of the poo avatar while keeping a lowerportion of the poo avatar stationary. The poo avatar is shown havingfour displayed states (1015A, 1015B, 1015C, and 1015D), with each of thefour displayed states of the poo avatar corresponding, respectively, tofour detected states of the user (1005A, 1005B, 1005C, and 1005D). Ineach displayed state, the electronic device positions or modifiesfeatures of the poo avatar in response to detecting a position, orchange in position, of one or more of the physical features, such asfacial features, of the user detected in the respective states of theuser. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10E, the physical features of theuser include the user's mouth 1020, face 1024, head 1028, shoulders1021, eyes 1023, and neck 1025. In some embodiments, tracked physicalfeatures may include other facial features such as eyelids, irises,muscles, muscle groups, and so forth. In the embodiment of FIG. 10E, thefeatures of the poo avatar include an avatar mouth 1030, avatar eyes1032, an upper portion 1034 of the avatar (including a tip 1040 of thepoo avatar and middle portion 1031), and a lower portion 1036 of theavatar.

As illustrated in 1005A, the electronic device detects the user's head1028 and, optionally, the user's face 1024 (or various physical featurescomprising the face 1024), tilted to the user's right side while theuser's shoulders 1021 remain positioned forward. The electronic devicealso detects the user's neck 1025 is tilted slightly to the user'sright. In response, the electronic device modifies the poo avatar, asshown in 1015A, by tilting the upper portion 1034 of the poo avatar tothe right (the upper portion 1034 of the poo avatar includes the tip1040 and middle portion 1031) while keeping the lower portion 1036stationary so that the tilting motion of the virtual avatar mirrors therightward tilt of the user's head 1028 (and/or face 1024) and neck 1025.

In addition to mirroring the direction of tilt, the electronic devicemodifies the virtual avatar to account for the varying degrees of tiltpresent in the various physical features of the user shown in 1005A. Forexample, the upper portions of the user (e.g., the user's head 1028)tilt to a greater degree than the lower portions of the user (e.g., theuser's neck 1025). Therefore, as shown in 1015A, the electronic devicemodifies the virtual avatar such that the amount of movement or tilt isgreatest at the top of the virtual avatar (e.g., at the tip 1040) and isleast at the bottom of the virtual avatar (e.g., at the lower portion1036). In other words, the amount of tilt decreases from the top of thevirtual avatar to the bottom, which is consistent with the variation inthe degree of tilt shown in the user in 1005A. This is demonstrated in1015A by the tip 1040 of the poo avatar having a large degree of tilt,the middle portion 1031 having a lesser degree of tilt than the tip1040, and the lower portion 1036 having no tilt. These modifications tothe poo avatar provide an animated effect that mimics the physicalmovements of the user, even though portions of the avatar (e.g., the tip1040 of the poo avatar) do not necessarily correspond anatomically tophysical features of the user. Moreover, the electronic device modifiesthe virtual avatar with the varying degree of tilt to mimic thedecreased range of motion in the physical features of the user, such aswhen the user tilts their head 1028 and neck 1025.

1005B and 1015B illustrate a similar effect in which the electronicdevice detects the user's head 1028 and neck 1025 tilted to the user'sleft side. In response, the electronic device modifies the poo avatar,as shown in 1015B, by tilting the upper portion 1034 of the poo avatarto the left with varying degrees of tilt (e.g., the tip 1040 tilts to agreater degree than the middle portion 1031) while keeping the lowerportion 1036 stationary so that the tilting motion of the virtual avatarmirrors the leftward tilt of the user's head 1028 and neck 1025, asdiscussed in greater detail above with respect to 1005A and 1015A.

As illustrated in 1005C, the electronic device detects the user's eyes1023 (e.g., the iris or pupil of the user's eye) shifted to the user'sright side and a smiling facial expression formed by the corners 1020Aand 1020B of the user's mouth 1020 positioned in an upward pose. Inresponse to detecting the rightward shift of the user's eyes 1023, theelectronic device modifies the eyes 1032 of the poo avatar to look right(e.g., by shifting the pupil or iris 1032A of the poo avatar towards theright side of the avatar eye 1032) as shown in 1015C. In response todetecting one or both of the corners 1020A and 1020B of the user's mouthpositioned in the upward pose, the electronic device modifies thedisplay of the avatar mouth 1030 to have a smiling expression, whereinthe avatar mouth 1030 has an opened, smiling position as shown in 1015C.As shown in 1015C, the upper portion 1034 and lower portion 1036 remainunchanged with respect to their respective neutral positions (shown in1011A).

1005D and 1015D illustrate a similar effect in which the electronicdevice detects the user's smiling facial expression and the user's eyes1023 (e.g., the iris or pupil of the user's eye) shifted to the user'sleft side. In response to detecting the leftward shift of the user'seyes 1023, the electronic device modifies the eyes 1032 of the pooavatar to look left (e.g., by shifting the pupil or iris 1032A of thepoo avatar towards the left side of the avatar eye 1032) as shown in1015D. In response to detecting one or both of the corners 1020A and1020B in the upward pose, the electronic device modifies the display ofthe avatar mouth 1030 to have a smiling expression as discussed abovewith respect to 1015C. Again, the upper portion 1034 and lower portion1036 remain unchanged in 1015D with respect to their respective neutralpositions (shown in 1011A and 1015C).

FIG. 10F illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the electronic devicemodifying the poo avatar in response to detecting a shift in the user'sposition within the field of view of the camera (e.g., camera 143,optical sensor 164). The modifications to the poo avatar includeshifting (e.g., translating) the poo avatar in a direction correspondingto the shift in the user's position within the field of view of thecamera. The poo avatar is shown having four displayed states in fourdisplay regions (1016A, 1016B, 1016C, and 1016D), with each of the fourdisplayed states of the poo avatar corresponding, respectively, to fourdetected states of the user (1006A, 1006B, 1006C, and 1006D). In eachdisplayed state in FIG. 10F, the electronic device positions or modifiesthe poo avatar in response to detecting a position, or change inposition, of the user detected within the field of view of the camera asshown in the respective states of the user. In each of the fourdisplayed states, the boundaries of the displayed states (e.g., theborders of 1016A, 1016B, 1016C, and 1016D) represent the boundaries of adisplayed region that includes the virtual avatar.

As illustrated in 1006A, the electronic device detects the user'sposition as being centered horizontally within the field of view of thecamera (e.g., camera 143, optical sensor 164). In response to detectingthe horizontally centered position of the user within the camera's fieldof view, the electronic device displays the poo avatar having ahorizontally centered position within the display region as shown in1016A.

In 1006B, the electronic device detects the user's position beingoff-center (e.g., shifted or translated) in a rightward direction in thefield of view of the camera (e.g., camera 143, optical sensor 164). Inother words, the user is shifted to the user's left direction (e.g.,shifted to the right with respect to the field of view of the camera),but remains completely visible within the camera's field of view. Inresponse to detecting the shifted position of the user in 1006B, theelectronic device shifts the horizontal position of the entire pooavatar (including both the upper portion 1034 and lower portion 1036) sothat the poo avatar is displayed in a leftward-shifted position, asshown in 1016B, so as to mirror the directional shift of the user to theuser's left direction. As shown in 1006B, the user is shifted to theirleft side with their left shoulder 1021A near the right edge of thefield of view. Accordingly, the electronic device displays the pooavatar positioned near the left edge of the display region of 1016B,mirroring the direction of the shifted position of the user within thecamera field of view. In some embodiments, the shifted position of theuser is mirrored by the shift of the virtual avatar in both directionand magnitude. In some embodiments, the shifted position of the user ismirrored by the shift of the virtual avatar in direction only, and themagnitude of the virtual avatar's shift is tuned (e.g., dampened) tomaintain a position of the virtual avatar within the boundaries of thedisplay region. An example of such an embodiment is discussed below withrespect to 1006C, 1016C, 1006D, and 1016D.

In 1006C, the electronic device detects the user's position as beingoff-center (e.g., shifted or translated) in a far right direction in thefield of view of the camera (e.g., camera 143, optical sensor 164). Inother words, the user is shifted far to the user's left direction (e.g.,shifted to the right with respect to the field of view of the camera),but is shifted so much that the user's left shoulder 1021A is no longerwithin the field of view of the camera. In response to detecting thedrastically shifted position of the user in 1006C, the electronic deviceshifts the horizontal position of the poo avatar so that the entire pooavatar (including both the upper portion 1034 and lower portion 1036) isdisplayed in a completely leftward-shifted position with the outermostedge of the poo avatar (e.g., the edge 1036A of the lower portion 1036)positioned against the left border of the display region shown in 1016C.The shifted display of the poo avatar in 1016C mirrors the direction ofthe user's shift to the user's left direction, but instead of shiftingthe poo avatar such that a portion of the avatar extends beyond thedisplay region in 1016C (as the user does in 1006C), the devicepositions the poo avatar at the edge of the display region 1016C. Bymaintaining a position of the virtual avatar within the display region(e.g., 1016A, 1016B, 1016C, and 1016D), even when a portion of the useris beyond the field of view of the camera (e.g., camera 143, opticalsensor 164), the electronic device allows a user to affect change in thevirtual avatar without having to maintain a fixed orientation orposition in front of the camera.

A similar effect is illustrated in 1006D and 1016D. In 1006D theelectronic device detects the user shifted to their right (e.g., to theleft in the field of view of the camera) such that the user's rightshoulder is no longer within the field of view of the camera. Inresponse to detecting the far-shifted position of the user, theelectronic device shifts the horizontal position of the poo avatar sothat the entire poo avatar (including both the upper portion 1034 andlower portion 1036) is displayed in a completely rightward-shiftedposition with the outermost edge of the poo avatar (e.g., the edge 1036Bof the lower portion 1036) positioned against the right border of thedisplay region shown in 1016D. As explained above, by maintaining aposition of the virtual avatar within the display region 1016D, evenwhen a portion of the user is beyond the field of view of the camera(e.g., camera 143, optical sensor 164), the electronic device allows auser to affect change in the virtual avatar without having to maintain afixed orientation or position in front of the camera.

FIG. 10G illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the electronic devicemodifying the poo avatar in response to detecting a shift in theposition of the user's physical features within the field of view of thecamera (e.g., camera 143, optical sensor 164). The modifications to thepoo avatar include shifting (e.g., translating) the poo avatar in adirection corresponding to the shift in the position of the user'sphysical features within the field of view of the camera. The embodimentillustrated in FIG. 10G is similar to those discussed above with respectto FIGS. 10D-10F in that the electronic device tracks movement andpositioning (e.g., rotational movement and/or translational movement) ofthe user's head 1028, but not movement or positioning of the user'sshoulders 1021 and, optionally, the user's neck 1025. In addition, theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 10G is similar to the embodiment in FIG.10F in that the modifications to the virtual avatar mirror movement ofthe user in direction, but not necessarily in magnitude. By implementingthese techniques, the electronic device allows the user to affect changein the virtual avatar without having to maintain a fixed orientation orposition in front of the camera (e.g., camera 143, optical sensor 164).

The poo avatar is shown having two displayed states in two displayregions (1017A and 1017B), with each of the two displayed states of thepoo avatar corresponding, respectively, to two detected states of theuser (1007A and 1007B). In each displayed state in FIG. 10G, the devicepositions or modifies the poo avatar in response to detecting aposition, or change in position, of the user's physical featuresdetected within the field of view of the camera as shown in therespective states of the user. In each of the two displayed states, theboundaries of the displayed states (e.g., the borders of 1017A and1017B) represent the boundaries of a displayed region that includes thevirtual avatar.

In 1007A, the electronic device detects the user's head 1028 and,optionally, the user's neck 1025 shifted (e.g., translated) in aleftward direction in the field of view of the camera (e.g., camera 143,optical sensor 164). In other words, the user's head 1028 and neck 1025are shifted to the user's right direction (e.g., shifted to the leftwith respect to the field of view of the camera). In response todetecting the shifted position in 1007A of the user's head 1028 and,optionally, the user's neck 1025, the electronic device shifts thehorizontal position of the entire poo avatar (including both the upperportion 1034 and lower portion 1036) so that the poo avatar is displayedin a rightward-shifted position, as shown in 1017A, so as to mirror theshift of the user's head to the user's right direction.

A similar effect is illustrated in 1007B and 1017B. In 1007B theelectronic device detects the user's head 1028 and, optionally, theuser's neck 1025 shifted (e.g., translated) in a rightward direction inthe field of view of the camera (e.g., camera 143, optical sensor 164).In other words, the user's head 1028 and neck 1025 are shifted to theuser's left direction (e.g., shifted to the right with respect to thefield of view of the camera). In response to detecting the shiftedposition in 1007B of the user's head 1028 and, optionally, the user'sneck 1025, the electronic device shifts the horizontal position of theentire poo avatar (including both the upper portion 1034 and lowerportion 1036) so that the poo avatar is displayed in a leftward-shiftedposition, as shown in 1017B, so as to mirror the shift of the user'shead to the user's left direction.

FIG. 10H illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the electronic devicemodifying the poo avatar in response to detecting changes in theposition of the user's physical features within the field of view of thecamera (e.g., camera 143, optical sensor 164). The modifications to thepoo avatar include increasing or decreasing the size of the poo avatar,and shifting (e.g., translating) the poo avatar in a directioncorresponding to the shift in the position of the user's physicalfeatures within the field of view of the camera. The poo avatar is shownhaving four displayed states in four display regions (1018A, 1018B,1018C, and 1018D), with each of the four displayed states of the pooavatar corresponding, respectively, to four detected states of the user(1008A, 1008B, 1008C, and 1008D). In each displayed state in FIG. 10H,the electronic device positions or modifies the poo avatar in responseto detecting a position, or change in position, of the user's physicalfeatures detected within the field of view of the camera as shown in therespective states of the user. In each of the four displayed states, theboundaries of the displayed states (e.g., the borders of 1018A, 1018B,1018C, and 1018D) represent the boundaries of a displayed region thatincludes the virtual avatar.

In 1008A, the electronic device detects the user's head 1028 shifted(e.g., translated) in an upward direction relative to their shoulders1021 (e.g., the user is stretching their neck 1025 upward) in the fieldof view of the camera (e.g., camera 143, optical sensor 164). Inresponse to detecting the upward-shifted position of the user's head1028 in 1008A, the electronic device shifts the vertical position of theentire poo avatar (including both the upper portion 1034 and lowerportion 1036) so that the entire poo avatar is displayed in anupward-shifted position with the uppermost edge of the poo avatar (e.g.,the edge 1040A of the tip 1040) positioned near the upper border of thedisplay region shown in 1018A, so as to mirror the shift of the user'shead 1028 in the upward direction shown in 1008A.

In 1008B, the electronic device detects the user's head 1028 shifted(e.g., translated) in a downward direction relative to the user'sshoulders 1021 (e.g., the user is ducking their head 1028) in the fieldof view of the camera (e.g., camera 143, optical sensor 164). Inresponse to detecting the downward-shifted position of the user's head1028 in 1008B, the electronic device shifts the vertical position of theentire poo avatar (including both the upper portion 1034 and lowerportion 1036) so that the entire poo avatar is displayed in adownward-shifted position with the lowermost edge of the poo avatar(e.g., the edge 1036C of the lower portion 1036) positioned near thelower border of the display region shown in 1018B, so as to mirror theshift of the user's head 1028 in the downward direction shown in 1008B.

In 1008C, the electronic device detects an increase in the size of theuser's head 1028 within the field of view of the camera (e.g., camera143, optical sensor 164), for example, when the user's head 1028 ispositioned closer to the camera. In response to detecting the increasedsize of the user's head 1028 in 1008C, the electronic device increasesthe size of the entire poo avatar. In some embodiments, the electronicdevice increases the size of the poo avatar in accordance with thedetected change in size of the user's head 1028 from one detected state(e.g., the neutral state in 1001A of FIG. 10A) to another (e.g., thedetected state 1008C). In 1018C, the electronic device increases thesize of the poo avatar to fill the display region without extending aportion of the poo avatar beyond the borders of the display region. Insome embodiments, the electronic device increases the size of thevirtual avatar to give the impression the avatar is located extremelyclose to the display (e.g., touch screen 112, display 340, display 450,display 504) of the electronic device.

For example, the electronic device increases the size of the poo avatarin 1018C such that the tip 1040 of the poo avatar is adjacent the upperborder of the display region at 1040A, the lower portion 1036 of the pooavatar is adjacent the lower border of the display region at 1036C, theleft edge of the lower portion 1036 is near the left border of thedisplay region at 1036A, and the right edge of the lower portion 1036 isnear the right border of the display region at 1036B. In someembodiments, such as that shown in 1018C, the electronic deviceincreases the size of the poo avatar proportionally so that the relativeposition of the various avatar features (e.g., the avatar's eyes 1032,mouth 1030, upper portion 1034, and lower portion 1036) are notdistorted with respect to the shape of the poo avatar. For example, whenthe electronic device increases the size of the poo avatar in 1018C, theavatar eyes 1032, mouth 1030, upper portion 1034 (including the tip1040), and the lower portion 1036 also increase in size, but otherwiseremain unchanged.

In 1008D, the electronic device detects a decrease in the size of theuser's head 1028 within the field of view of the camera (e.g., camera143, optical sensor 164), for example, when the user's head 1028 ispositioned farther from the camera. In response to detecting thedecreased size of the user's head 1028 in 1008D, the electronic devicedecreases the size of the entire poo avatar. In some embodiments, theelectronic device decreases the size of the poo avatar in accordancewith the detected change in size of the user's head 1028 from onedetected state (e.g., the neutral state in 1001A of FIG. 10A) to another(e.g., the detected state 1008D). In some embodiments, such as in 1018D,the electronic device decreases the size of the poo avatar to give theimpression that the virtual avatar is positioned distant from thedisplay (e.g., touch screen 112, display 340, display 450, display 504)of the electronic device.

For example, the electronic device decreases the size of the poo avatarin 1018D such that the tip 1040 of the poo avatar is located away fromthe upper border of the display region at 1040A, the lower portion 1036of the poo avatar is located away from the lower border of the displayregion at 1036C, the left edge of the lower portion 1036 is located awayfrom the left border of the display region at 1036A, and the right edgeof the lower portion 1036 is located away from the right border of thedisplay region at 1036B. In some embodiments, such as that shown in1018D, the electronic device decreases the size of the poo avatarproportionally so that the relative position of the various avatarfeatures (e.g., the avatar's eyes 1032, mouth 1030, upper portion 1034,and lower portion 1036) are not distorted with respect to the shape ofthe poo avatar. For example, when the electronic device decreases thesize of the poo avatar in 1018D, the avatar eyes 1032, mouth 1030, upperportion 1034 (including the tip 1040), and the lower portion 1036 alsodecrease in size, but otherwise remain unchanged.

FIG. 10I illustrates an exemplary embodiment illustrating the electronicdevice modifying the poo avatar 1000 in response to detecting changes ina user's physical features, such as facial features. The poo avatar isshown having one displayed state 1019 corresponding to a user's detectedstate 1009. As illustrated in 1009 and 1019, the electronic devicedetects the user making a puckering expression and, in response,modifies the poo avatar 1000 by replacing the poo avatar's mouth 1030with a set of puckered lips 1050. In some embodiments, such as thatshown in 1009, the electronic device determines the user is making apuckering facial expression by detecting the user's jaw 1027 in a closedposition and detecting the corners 1020A and 1020B of the user's mouth1020 moving towards each other to cause the user's lips 1029 (e.g., boththe user's upper lip 1029A and lower lip 1029B) to extend outward fromthe user's mouth 1020 in a puckered pose. Although it is not illustratedin FIG. 10I, in some embodiments, the electronic device modifies the pooavatar to emit hearts from the puckered lips 1050 in a manner similar tothat illustrated in FIG. 16B and discussed in greater detail below.

FIG. 11A illustrates an exemplary embodiment illustrating the electronicdevice modifying a bear avatar 1100 in response to detecting changes ina user's facial features. The bear avatar is shown having four displayedstates (1111A, 1111B, 1111C, and 1111D), with each of the four displayedstates of the bear avatar corresponding, respectively, to four detectedstates of the user (1101A, 1101B, 1101C, and 1101D). In each displayedstate in FIG. 11A, the electronic device positions or modifies featuresof the bear avatar in response to detecting a position, or change inposition, of one or more of the physical features, such as facialfeatures, of the user detected in the respective states of the user. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 11A, the detected facial features of theuser include the user's mouth 1120 (having corners 1120A and 1120B) andthe user's eyebrows 1122. In some embodiments, tracked physical featuresmay include other facial features such as eyelids, irises, muscles,muscle groups, and so forth. In the embodiment of FIG. 11A, the featuresof the bear avatar include an avatar mouth 1130, avatar eyes 1132,avatar ears 1133, an avatar nose 1137, an avatar head 1135, and (incertain states) avatar eyebrows 1138.

As illustrated in 1101A, the electronic device detects a neutral facialexpression of the user. For example, the device detects that the user'smouth 1120 and eyebrows 1122 are positioned in a relaxed, neutral state,and not in a position that is associated with a particular facialexpression, such as a smile or frown. In response to detecting theneutral facial expression of the user, the electronic device displaysthe bear avatar 1100 having a neutral expression or state in 1111A.Specifically, the electronic device displays the bear avatar having anavatar mouth 1130 that is in a relaxed, neutral state, and not in aposition that is typically associated with a particular facialexpression (e.g., a smile or frown). In some embodiments, the neutralposition of the avatar corresponds to other representations of a relatedimage, such as a static bear emoji that may be found in messagingapplications. In 1111A the neutral state of the bear's mouth 1130 isindicated by lines 1130A and 1130B extending horizontally from theoutsides of the bear's mouth 1130 or “snout” region and then curving upslightly at the base of the bear's nose 1137. The electronic device alsodisplays the bear avatar with a nose 1137 that rests above the relaxedmouth 1130, and ears 1133 that are in a relaxed, neutral statepositioned along the side of the bear's head 1135, and not curled orstretched. In addition, the electronic device displays the bear avatarwithout eyebrows 1138 and displays the avatar eyes 1132 looking in adirection perpendicular to the display (or a plane of focus of thecamera (e.g., camera 143, optical sensor 164)).

As illustrated in 1101B and 1111B, the electronic device detects aposition of the user's mouth 1120 (e.g., detecting one or both of thecorners 1120A and 1120B of the user's mouth positioned in an upward pose(e.g., an upward position) to form a smiling facial expression) and, inresponse, modifies two features of the bear avatar. For example, inresponse to detecting one or both of the corners 1120A and 1120B of theuser's mouth 1120 positioned in the upward pose, the electronic devicemodifies both the bear's ears 1133 and the bear's mouth 1130. Theelectronic device modifies the bear's mouth 1130 to have a smilingexpression by turning up lines 1130A and 1130B, which indicates thesmiling expression of the bear's mouth 1130, as shown in 1111B. Theelectronic device modifies the bear's ears 1133 to “perk up” or extendin an upward direction. In some embodiments, such as that shown in1111B, the modification to the bear's ears 1133 also includes slightlynarrowing the width of each ear 1133 and changing a vertical position ofthe ears 1133 on the side of the bear's head 1135 so that the ears 1133are positioned higher on the bear's head 1135 when the ears are perkedup (when compared to the vertical position of the ears 1133 on the sideof the bear's head 1135 when in the neutral state in 1111A). As shown in1111B, the eyes 1132 and nose 1137 remain unchanged with respect totheir original positions in 1111A. It should be understood that, in thisembodiment, the electronic device changes the bear's mouth 1130 to asmile and perks up the ears 1133 when the user smiles. The electronicdevice returns the mouth 1130 and ears 1133 to their neutral positionswhen the user is no longer smiling.

As illustrated in 1101C, the electronic device detects the user'seyebrows 1122 are in a raised position (e.g., positioned higher on theuser's face when compared to the position of the eyebrows 1122 when inthe relaxed, neutral state shown in 1101A and 1101B). In response todetecting the raised eyebrows 1122, the electronic device modifies twofeatures of the bear avatar. For example, the electronic device modifiesthe bear's ears 1133 to perk up, and modifies the bear avatar tointroduce eyebrows 1138 positioned above the bear's eyes 1132 to conveythe impression that the bear avatar 1100 is raising its eyebrows 1138,as shown in 1111C. As shown in 1111B, the bear's mouth 1130 is returnedto its neutral position, and the eyes 1132 and nose 1137 remainunchanged with respect to their original positions in 1111A. It shouldbe understood that, in this embodiment, the electronic device introducesthe avatar's eyebrows 1138 and perks up the ears 1133 when the user'seyebrows 1122 are raised. Thus, the electronic device removes the avatareyebrows 1138 and relaxes the ears 1133 when the user's eyebrows 1122return to their neutral position.

In 1101D, the electronic device detects the user's eyebrows 1122 areraised and the one or both of the corners 1120A and 1120B of the user'smouth 1120 positioned in the upward pose. In response, the electronicdevice modifies the bear avatar 1100 to perform an extreme ear perk,introduce raised eyebrows 1138, and smile, as shown in 1111D. Theelectronic device modifies the ears 1133 to perform an extreme ear perkby substantially narrowing the width of each ear 1133, extending theears in an upward direction, and changing the vertical position of theears 1133 on the side of the bear's head 1135 so that the ears 1133 arepositioned even higher on the bear's head 1135 than they were when inthe perked position shown in 1111B and 1111C. This combination ofmodifications to the bear's ears 1133 gives the appearance of the ears1133 being extremely stretched in the upward direction, to a greaterextent than the ear perk shown in 1111B and 1111C. It should beunderstood that, in this embodiment, the electronic device introducesthe avatar's eyebrows 1138, modifies the bear's mouth 1130 into a smile,and extremely perks up the ears 1133 when the user raises their eyebrows1122 and smiles (e.g., positions one or both of the corners 1120A and1120B of the user's mouth 1120 in the upward pose). Thus, the electronicdevice removes the avatar eyebrows 1138 and relaxes the ears 1133 andmouth 1130 when the user's eyebrows 1122 and mouth 1120 return to theirneutral positions.

FIG. 11B illustrates an exemplary embodiment illustrating the electronicdevice modifying the bear avatar 1100 in response to detecting changesin the user's facial features. The bear avatar is shown having fourdisplayed states (1112A, 1112B, 1112C, and 1112D), with each of the fourdisplayed states of the bear avatar corresponding, respectively, to fourdetected states of the user (1102A, 1102B, 1102C, and 1102D). In eachdisplayed state in FIG. 11B, the electronic device positions or modifiesfeatures of the bear avatar in response to detecting a position, orchange in position, of one or more of the physical features, such asfacial features, of the user detected in the respective states of theuser. In each of the four displayed states, the boundaries of thedisplayed states (e.g., the borders of 1112A, 1112B, 1112C, and 1112D)represent the boundaries of a displayed region that includes the virtualavatar.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11B, the detected facial features of theuser include the user's mouth 1120 (having corners 1120A and 1120B) andthe user's eyebrows 1122. In some embodiments, tracked physical featuresmay include other facial features such as eyelids, irises, muscles,muscle groups, and so forth. In the embodiment of FIG. 11B, the featuresof the bear avatar include an avatar mouth 1130, avatar eyes 1132,avatar ears 1133, an avatar nose 1137, an avatar head 1135, and (incertain states) avatar eyebrows 1138.

As illustrated in 1102A, the electronic device detects one or both ofthe corners 1120A and 1120B of the user's mouth 1120 positioned in adownward pose (e.g., a downward position) and, in response, modifies twofeatures of the bear avatar. In some embodiments, the electronic devicedetermines the user is making a sad facial expression by detecting oneor both of the corners 1120A and 1120B of the user's mouth in thedownward position and, optionally, detecting one or both of the user'seyebrows 1122 are not in a lowered position (e.g., the eyebrows 1122 areeither raised or in their neutral position). In response to detectingthe downward pose or position of the corners 1120A and 1120B of theuser's mouth 1120, the electronic device modifies both the bear's mouth1130 and the bear's ears 1133, as shown in 1112A.

The electronic device modifies the bear's mouth 1130 to have a sadexpression by turning down lines 1130A and 1130B, which forms the sadexpression of the bear's mouth 1130, as shown in 1112A. The electronicdevice modifies the bear's ears 1133 to “curl” or “wilt” in a downwarddirection by turning down (e.g., folding, rotating, or tilting) theouter edges 1133A and 1133B of the bear's ears 1133. In someembodiments, curling the bear's ears 1133 also includes changing avertical position of the ears 1133 on the side of the bear's head 1135so that the ears 1133 are positioned lower on the bear's head 1135 whenthe ears are curled (when compared to the vertical position of the ears1133 on the side of the bear's head 1135 when in the neutral state in1111A of FIG. 11A). As shown in 1112A, the bear's eyes 1132 and nose1137 remain unchanged with respect to their original positions in 1111A.It should be understood that, in this embodiment, the electronic devicechanges the bear's mouth 1130 to a sad expression and curls the bear'sears 1133 when the user's mouth 1120 forms the sad facial expression.The electronic device returns the bear's mouth 1130 and ears 1133 totheir neutral positions when the user is no longer making the sad facialexpression.

In 1102B and 1112B, the electronic device detects the user holding thesad facial expression for a threshold amount of time and, in response,modifies the bear avatar 1100 by introducing tears 1140 emitted from thebear's eyes 1132 to show the bear avatar crying while making a sad facewith curled ears 1133. In some embodiments, the electronic devicemodifies the bear avatar to introduce only a single tear 1140 emittedfrom one or both of the bear's eyes 1132 when the user holds the sadexpression for a first threshold amount of time (e.g., 0.3 seconds), andthen modifies the bear avatar to introduce additional tears 1140 emittedfrom the eyes 1132 after the user continues to hold the sad expressionto reach a second threshold amount of time (e.g., 0.6 seconds). Theelectronic device displays the tears 1140 forming from the bear's eyes1132, streaming down the bear's face, falling from the bear's head 1135,and disappearing from view at the bottom edge of the display region in1112B. In some embodiments, the electronic device displays the tears1140 intermittently and, optionally, in random intervals. In someembodiments, the tears 1140 continue until the user stops making the sadfacial expression. As shown in 1112B, the electronic device continues todisplay the bear's ears 1133 curled, and the bear's mouth 1130 in a sadexpression.

In 1102C and 1112C, the electronic device detects the user holding afrowning facial expression for a threshold amount of time and, inresponse, modifies the bear avatar 1100 to have a frowning expressionand storm clouds 1142 positioned above the bear's head 1135. Theelectronic device detects the user's frowning expression by detectingone or both of the corners 1120A and 1120B of the user's mouth 1120positioned in a downward pose and detecting the user's eyebrows 1122 ina downward position (e.g., furrowed or positioned lower on the user'sface when compared to the position of the eyebrows 1122 when in therelaxed, neutral state in 1101A). In response to detecting the user'sfrowning facial expression, the electronic device modifies the bearavatar by turning down the bear's mouth 1130 (e.g., by curving lines1130A and 1130B downward as shown in 1112C) and introducing the bear'seyebrows 1138 in a furrowed state to form a frowning brow pose as shownin 1112C. In the embodiment illustrated in 1112B, the electronic devicedoes not immediately introduce the storm clouds 1142 in response todetecting the user's frowning facial expression, nor does the electronicdevice modify the bear's ears 1133 or nose 11311.

After the electronic device detects the user holding the frowning facialexpression for the threshold amount of time, the electronic devicemodifies the frowning bear avatar 1100 to introduce the storm cloud(s)1142 positioned above the bear's head 1135. In some embodiments, thestorm clouds 1142 are animated and dynamic. For example, the electronicdevice can modify the storm clouds 1142 to introduce lightning 1144and/or rain. In some embodiments, electronic device displays the rainfalling from the storm clouds 1142 and landing on the bear avatar's head1135. In some embodiments, the falling rain runs down the bear's face,falls from its head 1135, and disappears from view at the bottom edge ofthe display region in 1112C. In some embodiments, the electronic devicedisplays the lightning 1144 and rain intermittently and, optionally, inrandom intervals. In some embodiments, the electronic device continuesto display the storm clouds 1142 until the user stops making thefrowning facial expression. When the user stops making the frowningfacial expression, the electronic device modifies the bear avatar 1100such that the storm clouds 1142 disappear, the frowning eyebrows 1138disappear, and the mouth 1130 returns to the neutral position shown in1111A. In some embodiments, the electronic device displays the stormclouds 1142 without lightning 1144 or rain when the user holds thefrowning facial expression for a first threshold amount of time (e.g.,0.3 seconds), and then modifies the storm clouds 1142 to produce thelightning 1144 and rain after the user continues to hold the frowningfacial expression to reach a second threshold amount of time (e.g., 0.6seconds).

As illustrated in 1102D and 1112D, the electronic device detects theuser lowering one or both of their eyebrows 1122 and, in response,modifies the bear's ears 1133 to curl. In this embodiment, theelectronic device curls the bear avatar's ears 1133 in response todetecting the user lowering their eyebrows 1122. As the user returnstheir eyebrows 1122 to their neutral position, the electronic deviceuncurls the bear's ears 1133. In the embodiment illustrated in 1102D and1112D, the electronic device foregoes modifying other features of thebear avatar 1100. Therefore, the electronic device maintains the neutralpositions of the bear's eyes 1132, mouth 1130, and nose 1137, and doesnot introduce eyebrows 1138 or other objects (e.g., tears 1140 or stormclouds 1142).

FIG. 11C illustrates an exemplary embodiment illustrating the electronicdevice modifying the bear avatar 1100 in response to detecting changesin the user's facial features. The bear avatar is shown having fourdisplayed states (1113A, 1113B, 1113C, and 1113D), with each of the fourdisplayed states of the bear avatar corresponding, respectively, to fourdetected states of the user (1103A, 1103B, 1103C, and 1103D). In eachdisplayed state in FIG. 11C, the electronic device positions or modifiesfeatures of the bear avatar in response to detecting a position, orchange in position, of one or more of the physical features, such asfacial features, of the user detected in the respective states of theuser. In each of the four displayed states, the boundaries of thedisplayed states (e.g., the borders of 1113A, 1113B, 1113C, and 1113D)represent the boundaries of a displayed region that includes the virtualavatar.

As illustrated in 1103A and 1113A, the electronic device detects theuser squinting their eyes 1123 (e.g., narrowing their eyes 1123 orglowering) and, in response, modifies the bear avatar 1100 to squint itseyes 1132 by introducing avatar facial structures around the bear's eyes1132. In some embodiments, the electronic device detects the usersquinting by detecting a decrease in the size of the user's eyes 1123(e.g., with respect to the neutral position of the user's eyes 1123)and/or wrinkles forming at the outside corners of the user's eyes 1123.In response, the electronic device modifies the bear avatar to show thebear squinting its eyes 1132 by introducing cheekbones 1139 appearing inan arched position under the bear's eyes 1132 and introducing eyebrows1138 appearing in a lowered position (similar to the frowning brow poseshown in 1112C) above the bear's eyes 1132. The electronic devicedisplays the cheekbones 1139 arching to eclipse a lower portion of thebear's eyes 1132 and form the bottom portion of the bear's squint, anddisplays the eyebrows 1138 curving downward to eclipse an upper portionof the bear's eyes 1132 and form the top portion of the bear's squint.As the user returns their eyes 1123 to their neutral position, theelectronic device removes the bear's eyebrows 1138 and cheekbones 1139to return the bear avatar 1100 to its neutral pose (shown in 1111A). Insome embodiments, the electronic device removes the bear's eyebrows 1138by animating the eyebrows 1138 moving upward from the bear's eyes 1132and disappearing into the bear avatar's face. In some embodiments, theelectronic device removes the bear's cheekbones 1139 by animating thecheekbones 1139 lowering and straightening out to remove the arch, anddisappearing into the bear avatar's face. In the embodiment illustratedin 1103A and 1113A, the electronic device foregoes modifying otherfeatures of the bear avatar 1100. Therefore, the electronic devicemaintains the neutral positions of the bear's mouth 1130 and nose 1137.

As illustrated in 1103B and 1113B, the electronic device detects theuser holding the squinting facial expression for a threshold amount oftime and, in response, modifies the bear avatar 1100 by introducinglaser beams 1146 shooting from the bear's eyes 1132 while the bearretains the squinting expression discussed above with respect to 1113A.The electronic device displays the laser beams 1146 forming from thebottom of the bear's eyes 1132, shooting in a downward direction, anddisappearing from view at the bottom edge of the display region in1113B. In some embodiments, the electronic device displays the laserbeams 1146 as a continuous beam. In some embodiments, the electronicdevice displays the laser beams 1146 as intermittent bursts and,optionally, emitted in random intervals. In some embodiments, theelectronic device continues to display the laser beams 1146 until theuser stops squinting. In some embodiments, the electronic devicedisplays a single burst of a laser beam 1146 shooting from each eye 1132when the user holds the squinting expression for a first thresholdamount of time (e.g., 0.3 seconds), and displays a continuous laser beam1146 (or repeated bursts of laser beams 1146) shooting from each eye1132 after the user continues to hold the squinting expression to reacha second threshold amount of time (e.g., 0.6 seconds).

As illustrated in 1103C and 1113C, the electronic device detects theuser widening their eyes 1123 and, in response, modifies the bear avatar1100 to show widened eyes 1132 by introducing avatar facial structuresaround the bear's eyes 1132. In the embodiment illustrated in 1103C and1113C, the electronic device detects the user widening their eyes bydetecting an increase in the size of the user's eyes 1123 (e.g., withrespect to the neutral position of the user's eyes 1123). In someembodiments, detecting the widened eyes includes, optionally, theelectronic device detecting a raised position of the user's eyebrows1122. In response to detecting the widened user eyes 1123, theelectronic device modifies the bear avatar to show the bear widening itseyes 1132 by introducing eyebrows 1138 in a raised position above thebear's eyes 1132. As the user returns their eyes 1123 to their neutralposition, the electronic device removes the bear's eyebrows 1138 toreturn the bear avatar 1100 to its neutral pose (shown in 1111A). Insome embodiments, the electronic device removes the bear's eyebrows 1138by animating the eyebrows 1138 moving downward towards the bear's eyes1132 and disappearing into the bear avatar's face above the bear's eyes1132. In the embodiment illustrated in 1103C and 1113C, the electronicdevice foregoes modifying other features of the bear avatar 1100.Therefore, the electronic device maintains the neutral positions of thebear's ears 1133, mouth 1130, eyes 1132, and nose 1137.

As illustrated in 1103D and 1113D, the electronic device detects theuser closing their eyes 1123 and, in response, modifies the bear avatar1100 to close its eyes 1132 by introducing avatar facial structures(e.g., features) around the bear's eyes 1132. In some embodiments, theelectronic device detects the user closing their eyes by detecting theuser's eyelids 1127 completely covering the user's eyes 1123. Inresponse, the electronic device modifies the bear avatar to show thebear closing its eyes 1132 by introducing cheekbones 1139 appearing in araised, slightly arched position under the bear's eyes 1132 andintroducing eyelids 1148 appearing above the bear's eyes 1132 and movingin a downward direction to cover the bear's eyes 1132 as shown in 1113D.As the user raises their eyelids 1127 to their neutral position, theelectronic device removes the bear's eyelids 1148 and cheekbones 1139 toreturn the bear avatar 1100 to its neutral pose (shown in 1111A). Insome embodiments, the electronic device removes the bear's eyelids 1148by animating the eyelids 1148 moving upward to reveal the bear's eyes1132 and disappearing into the bear avatar's face above the bear's eyes1132. In some embodiments, the electronic device removes the bear'scheekbones 1139 by animating the cheekbones 1139 lowering andstraightening out to remove the slight arch, and disappearing into thebear avatar's face. In the embodiment illustrated in 1103D and 1113D,the electronic device foregoes modifying other features of the bearavatar 1100. Therefore, the electronic device maintains the neutralpositions of the bear's mouth 1130, ears 1133, and nose 1137.

FIG. 12A illustrates an exemplary embodiment illustrating the electronicdevice modifying an alien avatar 1200 in response to detecting changesin a user's facial features. The alien avatar is shown having threedisplayed states (1211A, 1211B, and 1211C), with each of the threedisplayed states of the alien avatar corresponding, respectively, tothree detected states of the user (1201A, 1201B, and 1201C). In eachdisplayed state in FIG. 12A, the electronic device positions or modifiesfeatures of the alien avatar in response to detecting a position, orchange in position, of one or more of the physical features, such asfacial features, of the user detected in the respective states of theuser. In each of the three displayed states, the boundaries of thedisplayed states (e.g., the borders of 1211A, 1211B, and 1211C)represent the boundaries of a displayed region that includes the virtualavatar.

As illustrated in 1201A and 1211A, the electronic device detects theneutral facial expression of the user (e.g., the user's eyes 1223 areopen, eyebrows 1222 are in a relaxed position above the user's eyes1223, the user's cheeks 1228 are relaxed and not expanded, and theuser's mouth 1220 is in a relaxed, neutral state, and not a positionassociated with a particular facial expression) and, in response,displays the alien avatar 1200 having a neutral expression or state in1211A. For example, the electronic device displays the alien avatar 1200having a large, angular head 1235 that is wide at the top and narrows toa pointed bottom (e.g., chin), with a mouth 1230 that is in a relaxed,neutral state, and not in a position that is typically associated with aparticular facial expression such as smiling or frowning. In addition,the electronic device displays the alien avatar having a face 1205 withlarge, oval-shaped eyes 1232 that are angled to match the angularstructure of the alien's head 1235. The electronic device displays thealien eyes 1232 looking in a direction perpendicular to the display (ora plane of focus of the camera (e.g., camera 143, optical sensor 164)).The electronic device also displays the alien's head 1235 and face 1205without various features such as a nose, ears, or eyebrows. In someembodiments, the neutral position of the avatar corresponds to otherrepresentations of a related image, such as a static alien emoji thatmay be found in messaging applications.

As illustrated in 1201B and 1211B, the electronic device detects afrowning facial expression of the user by detecting one or both of thecorners 1220A and 1220B of the user's mouth 1220 positioned in adownward pose and the user's eyebrows 1222 positioned in a downward pose(e.g., furrowed or positioned lower on the user's face when compared tothe position of the eyebrows 1222 when in the relaxed, neutral state in1201A). In response to detecting the user's frowning facial expression,the electronic device modifies the alien avatar to have a frowning,drooping face as shown in 1211B. For example, the electronic devicemodifies the alien 1200 so that the corners of the alien's mouth 1230are turned down, and the alien's face 1205 is expanded at regions 1240Aand 1240B, located near the corners of the alien's turned-down mouth1230. In some embodiments, the electronic device modifies the alien tohave the drooping face shown in 1211B by displaying an animation of themouth 1230 turning down and the regions 1240A and 1240B expanding fromthe alien's face 1205 as the mouth 1230 is moving to the turned-downposition. In some embodiments, the electronic device modifies the alienavatar to return to its neutral position when the user is no longermaking the frowning facial expression. In some embodiments, theelectronic device modifies the alien to return to the neutral expressionin 1211A by displaying an animation of the mouth 1230 moving to theneutral position and the regions 1240A and 1240B retracting into thealien's face 1205 as the mouth 1230 moves to the neutral position.

As illustrated in 1201C and 1211C, the electronic device detects theuser making a puckering expression and, in response, modifies the alienavatar 1200 by replacing the alien's mouth 1230 with a set of puckeredlips 1250 that emit slimy hearts 1252. In some embodiments, such as thatshown in 1201C, the electronic device determines the user is making apuckering expression by detecting the user's jaw 1225 in a closedposition and detecting the corners 1220A and 1220B of the user's mouth1220 moving towards each other to cause the user's lips 1229 (e.g., boththe user's upper lip 1229A and lower lip 1229B) to extend outward fromthe user's mouth 1220 in a puckered pose. In response to detecting theuser's puckering expression, the electronic device modifies the alienavatar 1200 by changing the alien's mouth 1230 into a set of puckeredlips 1250. In some embodiments, the electronic device modifies the alienavatar 1200 by introducing one or more of the slimy hearts 1252displayed emitting from the alien's puckered lips 1250. In someembodiments, the electronic device foregoes modifying any other featuresof the alien avatar 1200.

In some embodiments, the electronic device does not immediatelyintroduce the slimy hearts 1252 in response to detecting the user'spuckering expression. In such embodiments, the electronic devicemodifies the puckering alien avatar 1200 to introduce the slimy hearts1252 emitting from the puckered lips 1250 only after the electronicdevice detects the user holding the puckering expression for a thresholdamount of time. In some embodiments, the electronic device modifies thealien avatar to introduce only a single slimy heart 1252 emitted fromthe puckered lips 1250 when the user holds the puckering expression fora first threshold amount of time (e.g., 0.3 seconds), and then modifiesthe alien avatar to introduce additional slimy hearts 1252 emitted fromthe puckered lips 1250 after the user continues to hold the puckeringexpression to reach a second threshold amount of time (e.g., 0.6seconds). In some embodiments, the slimy hearts 1252 are animated anddynamic. For example, in some embodiments, the electronic devicedisplays the slimy hearts 1252 emitting from the puckered lips 1250intermittently and, optionally, in random intervals. In someembodiments, the electronic device displays the slimy hearts 1252 havingdifferent sizes. In some embodiments, the electronic device displays theslimy hearts 1252 increasing in size as they move away from the puckeredlips 1250. Additionally, the electronic device displays, in someembodiments, each slimy heart 1252 moving in a randomized trajectory anddisappearing at a random location located within the display region of1211C or, alternatively, disappearing from view as it exits the displayregion of 1211C. In some embodiments, the electronic device displays theslimy hearts 1252 emitting from the puckered lips 1250 in a directionthat is based on the direction the user or avatar is facing. Forexample, if the electronic device detects the user's face, or theavatar, is turned to the left, the puckered lips 1250 emit the slimyhearts 1252 to the left, and if the electronic device detects the user'sface, or the avatar, is turned to the right, the puckered lips 1250 emitthe slimy hearts 1252 to the right. In some embodiments, the electronicdevice continues to display the slimy hearts 1252 emitting from thealien's puckered lips 1250 until the user stops making the puckeringfacial expression. In some embodiments, when the user stops making thepuckering facial expression, the electronic device modifies the alienavatar 1200 such that the slimy hearts 1252 disappear and the puckeredlips 1250 are replaced with the alien mouth 1230.

FIG. 12B illustrates an exemplary embodiment illustrating the electronicdevice modifying the alien avatar 1200 in response to detecting changesin the user's facial features. The alien avatar is shown having fourdisplayed states (1212A, 1212B, 1212C, and 1212D), with each of the fourdisplayed states of the alien avatar corresponding, respectively, tofour detected states of the user (1202A, 1202B, 1202C, and 1202D). Ineach displayed state in FIG. 12B, the electronic device positions ormodifies features of the alien avatar in response to detecting aposition, or change in position, of one or more of the physicalfeatures, such as facial features, of the user detected in therespective states of the user.

As illustrated in 1202A and 1212A, the electronic device detects theuser's eyebrows 1222 are in a slightly raised position (e.g., positionedslightly higher than the neutral position shown in 1201A) and addseyebrows to the alien to show the alien raising its eyebrows in responseto the user slightly raising their eyebrows 1222. For example, inresponse to detecting the slightly raised position of the user'seyebrows 1222, the electronic device modifies the alien avatar 1200 byintroducing eyebrows 1238 positioned above the alien avatar's eyes 1232in a raised position (e.g., to convey the impression that the alienavatar 1200 is raising its eyebrows 1238). In this embodiment, theelectronic device introduces the alien's eyebrows 1238 when the user'seyebrows 1222 are slightly raised. Thus, the electronic device removesthe alien's eyebrows 1238 when the user's eyebrows 1222 return to theirneutral position. In some embodiments, the electronic device removes thealien eyebrows 1238 by animating the eyebrows 1238 moving downwardtowards the alien's eyes 1232 and disappearing into the alien's face1205 above the alien's eyes 1232.

As illustrated in 1202B, the electronic device detects the user'seyebrows 1222 have moved from the slightly raised position in 1202A toan extremely raised position (e.g., positioned higher than the slightlyraised position shown in 1202A). In some embodiments, detecting theuser's extreme eyebrow raise optionally includes the electronic devicealso detecting the user widening their eyes 1223 in addition to raisingtheir eyebrows 1222. In response to detecting the user's extreme eyebrowraise, the electronic device maintains the position of the eyebrows 1238introduced in 1212A, and modifies the alien's head 1235 by introducingspikes 1254 at the top of the alien's head 1235, as shown in 1212B. Insome embodiments, the electronic device introduces the spikes 1254 byanimating the spikes 1254 rising from the top of the alien's head 1235as the user is raising their eyebrows 1222 beyond the slightly raisedposition shown in 1202A. In some embodiments, as the user returns theireyebrows 1222 to their neutral position or the slightly raised position,the electronic device removes the spikes 1254 by animating the spikes1254 retracting into the alien's head 1235. In the embodimentillustrated in 1202B and 1212B, the electronic device foregoes modifyingother features of the alien avatar 1200. Therefore, the electronicdevice maintains the neutral positions of the alien's mouth 1230 andeyes 1232.

As illustrated in 1202C and 1212C, the electronic device detects theuser's cheeks 1228 in a slightly puffed or expanded position (e.g., theuser slightly fills their cheeks 1228 with air so that they slightlyexpand beyond the neutral position shown in 1201A) and adds cheeks tothe alien to show the alien puffing its cheeks in response to the userslightly puffing their cheeks 1228. For example, in response todetecting the slightly puffed position of the user's cheeks 1228, theelectronic device modifies the alien avatar 1200 by introducing avatarcheeks 1256 in a slightly expanded position (e.g., to convey theimpression that the alien avatar 1200 is puffing its cheeks 1256). Asshown in 1212C, the electronic device displays the alien's cheeks 1256expanded beyond the narrow, lower portion of the alien's head 1235. Inthis embodiment, the electronic device introduces the alien's cheeks1256 when the user's cheeks 1228 are slightly puffed. Thus, theelectronic device removes the alien's cheeks 1256 when the user's cheeks1228 return to their neutral position. In some embodiments, theelectronic device removes the alien cheeks 1256 by animating the cheeks1256 retracting back into the alien's face 1205 and disappearing intothe alien's face 1205 below the alien's eyes 1232.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in 1212C, the electronic devicealso modifies the alien mouth 1230 in response to detecting the user'sslightly puffed cheeks 1228. For example, as shown in 1212C, theelectronic device modifies the alien's mouth 1230 from its neutralposition shown in 1211A to a narrow, rounded shape that mimics thenarrowing (and sometimes puckering) of the user's lips when the userpuffs their cheeks 1228.

As illustrated in 1202D, the electronic device detects the user's cheeks1228 have expanded from the slightly puffed position in 1202C to anextremely puffed position (e.g., expanded beyond the slightly puffedposition shown in 1202C). In response to detecting the user's extremecheek puff, the electronic device modifies the alien's puffed cheeks1256 by introducing spikes 1258 protruding from the alien's cheeks 1256,as shown in 1212D. In some embodiments, the electronic device introducesthe spikes 1258 by animating the spikes 1258 extending from the outerportions of the alien's puffed cheeks 1256 as the user is expandingtheir cheeks 1228 beyond the slightly puffed position shown in 1202C. Insome embodiments, as the user returns their cheeks 1228 to their neutralposition or the slightly puffed position, the electronic device removesthe spikes 1258 by animating the spikes 1258 retracting into the alien'scheeks 1256. In the embodiment illustrated in 1202D and 1212D, theelectronic device foregoes modifying other features of the alien avatar1200. Therefore, the electronic device maintains the neutral position ofthe alien's eyes 1232 and the narrowed position of the alien's mouth1230.

FIG. 12C illustrates an exemplary embodiment illustrating the electronicdevice modifying the alien avatar 1200 in response to detecting changesin the user's facial features. The alien avatar is shown having fivedisplayed states (1213A, 1213B, 1213C, 1213D, and 1213E), with each ofthe five displayed states of the alien avatar corresponding,respectively, to five detected states of the user (1203A, 1203B, 1203C,1203D, and 1203E). In each displayed state in FIG. 12C, the electronicdevice positions or modifies features of the alien avatar in response todetecting a position, or change in position, of one or more of thephysical features, such as facial features, of the user detected in therespective states of the user.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 12C, the electronic devicedecreases the size of the alien's eyes only when the user closes ornarrows their eyes by at least a threshold amount (e.g., half way).Otherwise, the electronic device foregoes modifying the alien's eyes1232 in response to the user closing their eyes 1223 in an amount lessthan the threshold amount. This allows the electronic device to displaythe alien without unintentionally closing or narrowing the alien's eyes1232 in response to detecting a user whose eyes appear to be partiallyclosed when they are, in fact, in their neutral, open position.

As illustrated in 1203A and 1213A, the electronic device detects theuser widening their eyes 1223 and, in response, modifies the alienavatar 1200 to show widened eyes 1232 by increasing the size of thealien's eyes 1232. In the embodiment illustrated in 1203A and 1213A, theelectronic device detects the user widening their eyes 1223 by detectingan increase in the size of the user's eyes 1223 (e.g., with respect tothe neutral position of the user's eyes 1223). In some embodiments,detecting the widened eyes includes, optionally, the electronic devicedetecting a raised position of the user's eyebrows 1222. In response todetecting the widened user eyes 1223, the electronic device modifies thealien avatar to show the alien widening its eyes 1232 by increasing thearea of the alien's eyes 1232 as shown in 1213A. As shown in 1203A and1213A, the change in the alien's eyes 1232 are exaggerated with respectto the change in the user's eyes 1223 in that change in the avatar'seyes is a greater percentage (e.g., 30%) of a maximum range of modelledmotion compared to the percentage change (e.g., 10% of a predicted ordetermined range of motion) in the user's eyes.

As shown in 1203B and 1213B, as the user returns their eyes 1223 fromthe widened position in 1203A to the neutral position in 1203B, theelectronic device shrinks the alien's eyes 1232 from the enlarged statein 1213A to the neutral state in 1213B.

In 1203C, the electronic device detects the user narrowing or closingtheir eyes 1223, but not beyond the threshold amount for modifying thealien's eyes 1232. In response to determining the user's eyes 1223 arenot closed beyond the threshold, the electronic device foregoesmodifying the alien's eyes 1232, as shown in 1213C.

In 1203D, the electronic device detects the user closing their eyes 1223in an amount beyond the threshold, but not in a completely closedposition. In other words, the electronic device detects the user's eyes1223 are slightly opened in 1203D. In response, the electronic devicedecreases the size of the alien's eyes 1232 in 1213D to display thealien's eyes 1232 in a slightly opened state that corresponds to theuser's slightly opened eyes 1223 in 1203D.

In 1203E, the electronic device determines the user's eyes 1223 arecompletely closed by detecting the user's eyelids 1227 completelycovering the user's eyes 1223. In response, the electronic devicefurther decreases the size of the alien's eyes 1232 in 1213E to displaythe alien's eyes 1232 in a closed state. As shown in 1213E, the alien'sclosed eyes are displayed as angled lines 1232A on the alien's head1235.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 12C, the electronic devicemodifies the alien's eyes 1232 in response to detecting changes in theuser's eyes 1223, and foregoes modifying other features of the alienavatar 1200. Accordingly, the alien's mouth 1230 remains in a neutralpose, and no other features (e.g., spikes, eyebrows, cheeks, etc.) areintroduced, as shown in 1213A, 1213B, 1213C, 1213D, and 1213E.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary embodiment illustrating the electronicdevice modifying a rabbit avatar 1300 in response to detecting changesin a user's physical features, such as facial features. The rabbitavatar is shown having three displayed states (1311A, 1311B, and 1311C),with each of the three displayed states of the rabbit avatarcorresponding, respectively, to three detected states of the user(1301A, 1301B, and 1301C). In each displayed state in FIG. 13, theelectronic device positions or modifies features of the rabbit avatar inresponse to detecting a position, or change in position, of one or moreof the facial features of the user detected in the respective states ofthe user.

In 1301A, the electronic device detects the neutral facial expression ofthe user (e.g., the user's eyes 1323 are open, eyebrows 1322 are in arelaxed position above the user's eyes 1323, and the user's mouth 1320is in a relaxed, neutral state, and not a position associated with aparticular facial expression). In response to detecting the neutralfacial expression, the electronic device displays the rabbit avatar 1300having a neutral expression or state in 1311A. For example, theelectronic device displays the rabbit avatar 1300 having long ears 1333extending vertically from the top of the rabbit's head 1335, eyes 1332having an open position, and a mouth region 1340 that includes whiskers1342, a nose 1344, teeth 1346, and a mouth 1330. In 1311A the neutralstate of the rabbit's mouth 1330 is indicated by the closed position ofthe rabbit's mouth 1330 and the whiskers 1342 positioned close togetherand extending in a limp, downward direction from the rabbit's mouthregion 1340. In addition, the electronic device displays the rabbitavatar 1300 without eyebrows 1338 and displays the rabbit's eyes 1332looking in a direction perpendicular to the display (or a plane of focusof the camera (e.g., camera 143, optical sensor 164)). In someembodiments, the neutral position of the avatar corresponds to otherrepresentations of a related image, such as a static rabbit emoji thatmay be found in messaging applications.

As illustrated in 1301B and 1311B, the electronic device detects theuser closing their eyes 1323 and, in response, modifies the rabbitavatar 1300 to close its eyes 1332 by introducing avatar facialstructures (e.g., features) around the rabbit's eyes 1332. In someembodiments, the electronic device detects the user closing their eyesby detecting the user's eyelids 1327 completely covering the user's eyes1323. In response, the electronic device modifies the rabbit avatar toshow the rabbit closing its eyes 1332 by introducing cheekbones 1339appearing in a raised, slightly arched position under the rabbit's eyes1332 and introducing eyelids 1348 appearing above the rabbit's eyes 1332and moving in a downward direction to cover the rabbit's eyes 1332 asshown in 1311B. As the user raises their eyelids 1327 to their neutralposition, the electronic device removes the rabbit's eyelids 1348 andcheekbones 1339 to return the rabbit avatar 1300 to its neutral pose(shown in 1311A). In some embodiments, the electronic device removes therabbit's eyelids 1348 by animating the eyelids 1348 moving upward toreveal the rabbit's eyes 1332 and disappearing into the rabbit's faceabove the rabbit's eyes 1332. In some embodiments, the electronic deviceremoves the rabbit's cheekbones 1339 by animating the cheekbones 1339lowering and straightening out to remove the slight arch, anddisappearing into the rabbit's face. In the embodiment illustrated in1301B and 1311B, the electronic device foregoes modifying other featuresof the rabbit avatar 1300. Therefore, the electronic device maintainsthe neutral positions of the rabbit's ears 1333 and mouth region 1340,including the whiskers 1342, mouth 1330, teeth 1346, and nose 1344.

As illustrated in 1301C and 1311C, the electronic device detects one orboth of the corners 1320A and 1320B of the user's mouth 1320 positionedin an upward pose (e.g., forming a smiling facial expression) and, inresponse, modifies the rabbit avatar to have a smiling facialexpression. For example, the electronic device modifies the rabbit'smouth region 1340 to form a smiling facial expression by lowering (e.g.,opening) the rabbit's mouth 1330 and increasing the spacing between eachof the whiskers 1342, as shown in 1311C. By increasing the spacingbetween the whiskers 1342, the electronic device conveys aninterconnected facial relationship between the rabbit's features,particularly the features of the mouth region 1340. Thus, as the usermoves their mouth 1320, the electronic device modifies the rabbit'smouth 1330, which effects a change in the interconnected facial featuresof the rabbit's mouth region 1340. The electronic device represents thisconnection between the features of the rabbit's mouth region 1340 byadjusting the spacing between the whiskers 1342, which are connected tothe rabbit's mouth 1330 through the mouth region 1340. In thisembodiment, the electronic device changes the rabbit's mouth region 1340to a smiling expression when the user smiles. The electronic devicereturns the mouth region 1340, including the mouth 1330 and whiskers1342, to their neutral positions when the user is no longer smiling. Therabbit's eyes 1332, teeth 1346, nose 1344, and ears 1333 remainunchanged with respect to their neutral positions in 1311A.

FIG. 14A illustrates an exemplary embodiment illustrating the electronicdevice modifying a robot avatar 1400 in response to detecting changes ina user's physical features, such as facial features. The robot avatar isshown having three displayed states (1411A, 1411B, and 1411C), with eachof the three displayed states of the robot avatar corresponding,respectively, to three detected states of the user (1401A, 1401B, and1401C). In each displayed state in FIG. 14A, the electronic devicepositions or modifies features of the robot avatar in response todetecting a position, or change in position, of one or more of thephysical features, such as facial features, of the user detected in therespective states of the user.

In 1401A, the electronic device detects the neutral facial expression ofthe user. For example, the user's eyes 1423 are open (with irises 1423Aor pupils pointed in a direction perpendicular to a plane of focus ofthe camera (e.g., camera 143, optical sensor 164)), eyebrows 1422 are ina relaxed position above the user's eyes 1423, and the user's cheeks1428 are relaxed and not expanded. In addition, the user's mouth 1420(having a first portion of a user's lip 1420A, which may, optionally,form a corner of the user's mouth 1420, and a second portion of a user'slip 1420B, which may, optionally, form a corner of the user's mouth1420) is in a relaxed, neutral state, and not a position associated witha particular facial expression. In response to detecting the neutralfacial expression, the electronic device displays the robot avatar 1400having a neutral expression or state in 1411A. For example, theelectronic device displays the robot avatar 1400 having ears 1433positioned against the sides of the robot's head 1435 in a verticallycentered alignment, an antenna 1434 having a lowered position in ahorizontally centered location on the top of the robot's head 1435, anda nose 1436 having a triangular shape with its base aligned parallelwith the bottom edge of the robot's head 1435 and the opposite cornerdirected upward towards the antenna 1434.

In 1411A, the neutral position of the robot's mouth 1430 is indicated bythe position and shape of the mouth 1430 displayed by the electronicdevice. For example, the electronic device displays the robot's mouth1430 in a neutral position by horizontally centering the mouth 1430below the robot's nose 1436. In addition, the robot mouth 1430 is in theneutral position when the electronic device displays the robot's mouth1430 having a “pill” shape formed by rounded ends 1430A and 1430Bconnected by an upper edge 1430U and lower edge 1430L positionedhorizontally and parallel to each other. When the mouth is in theneutral position, the electronic device displays vertical lines 1430Cforming the robot's “teeth” 1440. The teeth 1440 have a fixed horizontalposition with respect to the robot's head 1435 that is centered belowthe robot's nose 1436.

As shown in 1411A, the electronic device displays the robot's eyes 1432in a neutral position by displaying an outer circle 1432A having aninner circle 1432B, or aperture, positioned in the center of the outercircle 1432A, with lines 1431 extending horizontally between the outercircles 1432A and inner circles 1432B. This combination of robot eyefeatures (e.g., the centered aperture 1432B and horizontal lines 1431)represent the robot's eyes 1432 looking in a direction perpendicular tothe display (or a plane of focus of the camera (e.g., camera 143,optical sensor 164)). In some embodiments, the openness of the robot'seye 1432 is indicated by the size of the inner circle 1432B. Forexample, when the diameter of the inner circle 1432B increases, therobot's eye 1432 is considered widening or opening. When the diameter ofthe inner circle 1432B decreases, the robot's eye 1432 is considerednarrowing or closing. In some embodiments, the electronic devicedisplays the robot's eye 1432 in a closed position by removing the innercircle 1432B and displaying a single line 1431 extending across theouter circle 1432A. In other embodiments, the electronic device displaysthe robot's eye 1432 in a closed position by displaying the inner circle1432B having a minimum diameter. In the embodiments illustrated in FIG.14A-14D, the size of the inner circle 1432B illustrated in 1411Arepresents the neutral position or size of the inner circle 1432B. Insome embodiments, the neutral position of the avatar corresponds toother representations of a related image, such as a static robot emojithat may be found in messaging applications.

As illustrated in 1401B, the electronic device detects the user's eyes1423 (e.g., the iris 1423A and/or pupil of the user's eye) shifted tothe user's right side. In response to detecting the rightward shift ofthe user's irises 1423A, the electronic device modifies the eyes 1432 ofthe robot avatar to look right. For example, for each robot eye 1432,the electronic device shifts the inner circle 1432B to the far rightedge of the outer circle 1432A, as shown in 1411B. In addition, when theelectronic device shifts the inner circles 1432B to the far right edgesof the outer circles 1432A, the electronic device also adjusts thelengths of the horizontal lines 1431 to maintain their horizontalextension between the inner circle 1432B and outer circle 1432A. Asshown in 1411B, the electronic device forgoes modifying the otherfeatures of the robot avatar 1400.

1401C and 1411C illustrate a similar effect in which the electronicdevice detects the user's eyes 1423 (e.g., the iris 1423A and/or pupilof the user's eye) shifted to the user's left side. In response todetecting the leftward shift of the user's irises 1423A, the electronicdevice modifies the eyes 1432 of the robot avatar to look left, as shownin 1411C. For example, for each robot eye 1432, the electronic deviceshifts the inner circle 1432B to the far left edge of the outer circle1432A and adjusts the lengths of the horizontal lines 1431 to maintaintheir horizontal extension between the inner circle 1432B and outercircle 1432A. Again, as shown in 1411C, the electronic device forgoesmodifying the other features of the robot avatar 1400.

FIG. 14B illustrates an exemplary embodiment illustrating the electronicdevice modifying the robot avatar 1400 in response to detecting changesin the user's physical features, such as facial features. The robotavatar is shown having three displayed states (1412A, 1412B, and 1412C),with each of the three displayed states of the robot avatarcorresponding, respectively, to three detected states of the user(1402A, 1402B, and 1402C). In each displayed state in FIG. 14B, theelectronic device positions or modifies features of the robot avatar inresponse to detecting a position, or change in position, of one or moreof the physical features, such as facial features, of the user detectedin the respective states of the user.

As illustrated in 1402A and 1412A, the electronic device detects theuser widening their eyes 1423 and, in response, modifies the robotavatar 1400 to display widened eyes 1432. In the embodiment illustratedin 1402A and 1412A, the electronic device detects the user wideningtheir eyes 1423 by detecting an increase in the size of the user's eyes1423 (e.g., with respect to the neutral position of the user's eyes1423). In some embodiments, detecting the widened eyes includes,optionally, the electronic device detecting a raised position of theuser's eyebrows 1422. In response to detecting the widened user eyes1423, the electronic device modifies the robot avatar 1400 to show therobot widening its eyes 1432 by increasing the diameter of the innercircle 1432B as shown in 1412A. In addition, the electronic devicedecreases the lengths of the horizontal lines 1431 to maintain theirhorizontal extension between the inner circle 1432B and outer circle1432A. As shown in 1412A, the electronic device forgoes modifying otherfeatures of the robot avatar 1400.

As illustrated in 1402B and 1412B, the electronic device detects theuser narrowing their eyes 1423 and, in response, modifies the robotavatar 1400 to narrow its eyes 1432. In the embodiment illustrated in1402B and 1412B, the electronic device detects the user narrowing theireyes 1423 by detecting a decrease in the size of the user's eyes 1423(e.g., with respect to the neutral position of the user's eyes 1423). Inresponse to detecting the narrowed user eyes 1423, the electronic devicemodifies the robot avatar 1400 to show the robot narrowing its eyes 1432by decreasing the diameter of the inner circle 1432B as shown in 1412B.In addition, the electronic device increases the lengths of thehorizontal lines 1431 to maintain their horizontal extension between theinner circle 1432B and outer circle 1432A. As shown in 1412B, theelectronic device forgoes modifying other features of the robot avatar1400.

As illustrated in 1402C and 1412C, the electronic device detects theuser's eyebrows 1422 are in a raised position (e.g., positioned higherthan the neutral position shown in 1401A) and, in response, modifiesvarious features of the robot avatar 1400. For example, as shown in1412C, the electronic device modifies the robot avatar 1400 by extendingthe antenna 1434 from the top of the robot's head 1435, extending therobot's ears 1433 from the sides of the robot's head 1435, and rotatingthe lines 1431 connecting the inner circles 1432B and outer circles1432A of the robot's eyes 1432. In the embodiment shown in 1412C, theelectronic device rotates lines 1431 so that they are angled to mimicrobot eyebrows in a “raised” position. For example, the electronicdevice rotates the lines 1431 located in the right robot eye 1432R byapproximately 45 degrees in a clockwise direction, and rotates the lines1431 located in the left robot eye 1432L by approximately 45 degrees ina counterclockwise direction. In this embodiment, the electronic devicemodifies the robot avatar 1400 as discussed above when the user raisestheir eyebrows 1422. Thus, when the electronic device detects the user'seyebrows 1422 returning to their neutral position, the electronic devicedisplays the antenna 1434, ears 1433, and lines 1431 returning to theirneutral positions shown in 1411A.

FIG. 14C illustrates an exemplary embodiment illustrating the electronicdevice modifying the robot avatar 1400 in response to detecting changesin the user's physical features, such as facial features. The robotavatar is shown having four displayed states (1413A, 1413B, 1413C, and1413D), with each of the four displayed states of the robot avatarcorresponding, respectively, to four detected states of the user (1403A,1403B, 1403C, and 1403D). In each displayed state in FIG. 14C, theelectronic device positions or modifies features of the robot avatar inresponse to detecting a position, or change in position, of one or moreof the physical features, such as facial features, of the user detectedin the respective states of the user.

As illustrated in 1403A and 1413A, the electronic device detects theportions of the user's lips 1420A and 1420B in a position that isdifferent from that shown in 1401A. Specifically, the electronic devicedetects the portions of the lips 1420A and 1420B are positioned in anupward pose (e.g., a smiling facial expression) and, in response,modifies the robot avatar 1400 to have a smiling expression. Forexample, the electronic device modifies the robot's mouth 1430 to have asmiling expression by changing the shape of the robot's mouth to atrapezoidal shape having a shorter lower edge 1430L and a longer upperedge 1430U, as shown in 1413A. As shown in 1413A, the electronic deviceforgoes modifying other features of the robot avatar 1400.

As illustrated in 1403B and 1413B, the electronic device detects one orboth of the portions of the user's lips 1420A and 1420B positioned in adownward pose and the user's eyebrows 1422 in a downward position (e.g.,furrowed or positioned lower on the user's face when compared to theposition of the eyebrows 1422 when in the relaxed, neutral state in1401A) and, in response, modifies multiple features of the robot avatar1400 to display the robot having a frowning expression. For example, theelectronic device displays the robot having a frowning expression bymodifying both the robot's mouth 1430 and the robot's ears 1433. Theelectronic device modifies the robot's mouth 1430 to have a frowningexpression by changing the shape of the robot's mouth to a trapezoidalshape having a longer lower edge 1430L and a shorter upper edge 1430U,as shown in 1413A. In addition, the electronic device modifies therobot's ears 1433 so that they extend from the sides of the robot's head1435 and tilt in a downward direction, angled away from the sides of therobot's head 1435 as shown in 1413B. In the embodiment illustrated in1413B, the electronic device forgoes modifying other features of therobot avatar 1400.

In 1403C, the electronic device detects portions 1420C and 1420D of theuser's mouth 1420 are spaced apart with the user's mouth 1420 opened(e.g., as if the user's mouth 1420 is moving in a talking motion). Inresponse to detecting this “talking” motion of the user's mouth 1420,the electronic device modifies the robot avatar 1400, as shown in 1413C,to display the robot's mouth 1430 mimicking the user's talking motion.For example, the electronic device changes the robot's teeth 1440 byintroducing a horizontal space 1441 that separates the robot's teeth1440 into an upper row of teeth 1440A and a lower row of teeth 1440B. Asthe electronic device detects the user's mouth moving in the talkingmotion, the electronic device increases the height of the horizontalspace 1441 between the upper row of teeth 1440A and the lower row ofteeth 1440B to show the robot's teeth 1440 moving in an openingdirection, and decreases the height of the horizontal space 1441 betweenthe upper row of teeth 1440A and the lower row of teeth 1440B to showthe robot's teeth 1440 moving in a closing direction. By modifying theheight of the horizontal spacing 1441 in this manner, the electronicdevice modifies the robot's mouth 1430 to mimic the talking motion ofthe user's mouth 1420. In some embodiments, such as the embodimentillustrated in 1403C and 1413C, the electronic device does not modifythe shape or position of the robot's mouth 1430 in response to detectingthe portions 1420C and 1420D of the user's mouth 1420 moving in thetalking motion. Instead, the robot's teeth 1440 are modified asdiscussed above. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment of FIG.14C, changes in a physical feature (e.g., the user's lips and/or mouth)can result in exaggerated changes in the corresponding avatar feature(e.g., the robot mouth 1430, 1430U, 1430L), with the exaggeration beingin the form of a change in shape that is different than the change inshape detected for the physical feature.

As illustrated in 1403D and 1413D, when the electronic device detectsthe user's mouth 1420 returning to the closed position in 1403D (e.g.,the portions 1420C and 1420D of the user's mouth 1420 are closed), theelectronic device removes the horizontal space 1441 so that the robot'steeth 1440 return to the neutral, closed position as shown in 1413D.

FIG. 14D illustrates an exemplary embodiment illustrating the electronicdevice modifying the robot avatar 1400 in response to detecting changesin the user's physical features, such as facial features. The robotavatar is shown having four displayed states (1414A, 1414B, 1414C, and1414D), with each of the four displayed states of the robot avatarcorresponding, respectively, to four detected states of the user (1404A,1404B, 1404C, and 1404D). In each displayed state in FIG. 14D, theelectronic device positions or modifies features of the robot avatar inresponse to detecting a position, or change in position, of one or moreof the physical features, such as facial features, of the user detectedin the respective states of the user. In each of the four displayedstates, the boundaries of the displayed states (e.g., the borders of1414A, 1414B, 1414C, and 1414D) represent the boundaries of a displayedregion that includes the virtual avatar.

As illustrated in 1404A and 1414A, the electronic device detects theuser's mouth 1420 (e.g., upper lip 1420C and lower lip 1420D) is shiftedto the user's right (e.g., shifted to the left with respect to the fieldof view of the camera) and, in response, modifies both the robot's mouth1430 and nose 1436. The electronic device modifies the robot's mouth1430 by shifting the shape of the robot's mouth 1430 to the right so asto mirror the movement of the user's mouth 1420, while maintaining therelative position of the robot's teeth 1440 with respect to the robot'shead 1435. For example, as shown in 1414A, the pill shape of the robot'smouth 1430 is shifted to the right and the position of the teeth 1440remains fixed so that the robot's mouth 1430 appears shifted withrespect to both the robot's head 1435 and teeth 1440.

As shown in 1404A, the tip of the user's nose 1425 shifts slightly withthe user's mouth 1420. In some embodiments, the electronic device doesnot directly monitor or detect movement of the user's nose 1425 but,nevertheless, accounts for movement of the user's nose 1425 by modifyingthe robot's nose 1436 to move in response to the shifting robot mouth1430. For example, the electronic device modifies the robot's nose 1436so that it rotates as the robot's mouth 1430 shifts, thereby conveyingan interconnected facial relationship between the robot's mouth 1430 andnose 1436 that is similar to the interconnected facial relationshipbetween the user's mouth 1420 and nose 1425. In the embodimentillustrated in 1414A, the electronic device shifts the robot's mouth1430 to the right and rotates the nose 1436 clockwise. This combinationof modifications to the robot's mouth 1430 and nose 1436 mimics themovement of the user's mouth 1420 and nose 1425 and gives the appearancethat the robot's facial features, particularly the robot's nose 1436 andmouth 1430, are interconnected in a manner similar to that of the user'smouth 1420 and nose 1425.

1404B illustrates movements of the user's mouth 1420 and nose 1425 in adirection opposite that shown in 1404A, and 1414B illustrates theelectronic device's corresponding modifications to the robot avatar1400. These modifications to the robot avatar 1400 are similar to thosediscussed above with respect to 1414A, but are instead shown in oppositedirections. For example, in 1404B, the user's mouth 1420 and nose 1425are shown shifted to the user's left (e.g., shifted to the right withrespect to the field of view of the camera) and, in response, theelectronic device shifts the robot's mouth 1430 the right and rotatesthe robot's nose 1436 counterclockwise, as shown in 1414B. Again, thiscombination of modifications to the robot's mouth 1430 and nose 1436mimics the movement of the user's mouth 1420 and nose 1425 and gives theappearance that the robot's facial features are interconnected in amanner similar to that of the user's mouth 1420 and nose 1425.

As illustrated in 1404C and 1414C, the electronic device detects theuser's cheeks 1428 in a puffed or expanded position (e.g., the userfills their cheeks 1428 with air so that they expand beyond the neutralposition shown in 1401A) and, in response, modifies the robot avatar1400 by extending the robot's ears 1433 from the sides of the robot'shead 1435. In some embodiments, the electronic device modifies theextension of the ears 1433 based on the amount the user expands theircheeks 1428. For example, as the user continues to expand their cheeks1428, the electronic device continues to extend the ears 1433.Similarly, as the user's cheeks 1428 retract (e.g., in response to theuser releasing the air from their cheeks 1428), the electronic deviceretracts the robot's ears 1433.

As illustrated in 1404D, the electronic device detects the user making apuckering facial expression by detecting the user's jaw 1427 in a closedposition and detecting the corners 1420A and 620B of the user's mouth1420 moving towards each other to cause the user's lips (e.g., both theuser's upper lip 1420C and lower lip 1420D) to extend outward from theuser's mouth 1420 in a puckered pose. In response to detecting theuser's puckering facial expression, the electronic device modifies therobot avatar 1400 by changing the shape of the robot's mouth 1430 anddisplaying metallic hearts 1452 emitted from the robot's mouth 1430, asshown in 1414D. For example, the electronic device modifies the shape ofthe robot's mouth 1430 to a circle with a “+” shape 1454 in the centerof the circle to form a robot “pucker.” In addition, the electronicdevice introduces one or more metallic hearts 1452 displayed emittingfrom the robot's “puckered” mouth 1430. In some embodiments, theelectronic device forgoes modifying any other features of the robotavatar 1400.

In some embodiments, the electronic device does not immediatelyintroduce the metallic hearts 1452 in response to detecting the user'spuckering facial expression. In such embodiments, the electronic devicemodifies the puckering robot avatar 1400 to introduce the metallichearts 1452 emitting from the puckered mouth 1430 only after theelectronic device detects the user holding the puckering facialexpression for a threshold amount of time. In some embodiments, theelectronic device modifies the robot avatar to introduce only a singlemetallic heart 1452 emitted from the puckered mouth 1430 when the userholds the puckering facial expression for a first threshold amount oftime (e.g., 0.3 seconds), and then modifies the robot avatar tointroduce additional metallic hearts 1452 emitted from the puckeredmouth 1430 after the user continues to hold the puckering facialexpression to reach a second threshold amount of time (e.g., 0.6seconds).

In some embodiments, the metallic hearts 1452 are animated and dynamic.For example, in some embodiments, the electronic device displays themetallic hearts 1452 emitting from the puckered mouth 1430intermittently and, optionally, in random intervals. In someembodiments, the electronic device displays the metallic hearts 1452having different sizes. In some embodiments, the electronic devicedisplays the metallic hearts 1452 increasing in size as they move awayfrom the puckered mouth 1430. Additionally, the electronic devicedisplays, in some embodiments, each metallic heart 1452 moving in arandomized trajectory and disappearing at a random location locatedwithin the display region of 1414D or, alternatively, disappearing fromview as it exits the display region of 1414D. In some embodiments, theelectronic device displays the metallic hearts 1452 emitting from thepuckered mouth 1430 in a direction that is based on the direction theuser or avatar is facing. For example, if the electronic device detectsthe user's face, or the avatar, is turned to the left, the puckeredmouth 1430 emits the metallic hearts 1452 to the left, and if theelectronic device detects the user's face, or the avatar, is turned tothe right, the puckered mouth 1430 emits the metallic hearts 1452 to theright. In some embodiments, the electronic device continues to displaythe metallic hearts 1452 emitting from the robot's puckered mouth 1430until the user stops making the puckering facial expression. In someembodiments, when the user stops making the puckering facial expression,the electronic device modifies the robot avatar 1400 such that themetallic hearts 1452 disappear and the puckered mouth 1430 returns tothe neutral shape illustrated in 1411A.

FIG. 15A illustrates an exemplary embodiment illustrating the electronicdevice modifying a unicorn avatar 1500 in response to detecting changesin a user's physical features, such as facial features. The unicornavatar is shown having four displayed states (1511A, 1511B, 1511C, and1511D), with each of the four displayed states of the unicorn avatarcorresponding, respectively, to four detected states of the user (1501A,1501B, 1501C, and 1501D). In each displayed state in FIG. 15A, theelectronic device positions or modifies features of the unicorn avatarin response to detecting a position, or change in position, of one ormore of the physical features, such as facial features, of the userdetected in the respective states of the user.

In 1501A, the electronic device detects the neutral facial expression ofthe user (e.g., the user's eyes 1523 are open, eyebrows 1522 are in arelaxed position above the user's eyes 1523, and the user's mouth 1520is in a relaxed, neutral state, and not a position associated with aparticular facial expression). In response to detecting the neutralfacial expression, the electronic device displays the unicorn avatar1500 having a neutral state in 1511A. For example, the electronic devicedisplays the unicorn 1500 having ears 1533 extending vertically from thetop of the unicorn's head 1535, an eye 1532 in an opened position, and amane 1552 resting naturally at the top of the unicorn's head 1535 anddown the back of the unicorn's head 1535 and neck 1539. In addition, theelectronic device displays the unicorn 1500 having a horn 1550positioned towards the top of the unicorn's head 1535, adjacent theunicorn's ears 1533 and mane 1552. The electronic device displays theunicorn 1500 with no eyebrow or cheek features and displays theunicorn's eye 1532 looking in a direction perpendicular to the display(or a plane of focus of the camera (e.g., camera 143, optical sensor164)).

The electronic device also displays the unicorn 1500 having a muzzleregion 1540 that includes a mouth 1530 and nostril 1536. In 1511A, theelectronic device displays the unicorn's muzzle region 1540 in a neutralstate that includes the unicorn's mouth 1530 in a closed position and arelaxed position of the nostril 1536.

In the neutral state illustrated in 1511A, the electronic devicedisplays the unicorn avatar 1500 in a skewed orientation such that theunicorn 1500 is facing to the left side of the display region of 1511Awith approximately half of the unicorn's features visible. For example,the electronic device displays one of the unicorn's eyes 1532, half ofthe unicorn's mouth 1530, and one nostril 1536 in the neutral stateshown in 1511A. In some embodiments, the neutral position of the avatarcorresponds to other representations of a related image, such as astatic unicorn emoji that may be found in messaging applications.

As illustrated in 1501B and 1511B, the electronic device detects theuser's upper lip 1520A in a raised position and the user's eyebrows 1522in a lowered position (e.g., the user is making a sneering facialexpression) and, in response, modifies the displayed unicorn avatar 1500to display a sneering expression. For example, the electronic devicemodifies the unicorn avatar 1500 to introduce an eyebrow 1538 positionedin a furrowed state that partially obstructs an upper portion of theunicorn's eye 1532 as shown in 1511B. In addition, the electronic devicemodifies the muzzle region 1540 by changing the unicorn's mouth 1530 toan opened position with a protruding upper lip 1530A to reveal theunicorn's teeth 1542. The electronic device also modifies the muzzleregion 1540 to form the sneer pose by displaying the nostril 1536 in anexpanded or flexed position and expanding the muzzle region 1540 tocover an increased portion of the unicorn's face, as shown in 1511B.

In the embodiment illustrated in 1501B and 1511B, the electronic devicemodifies the unicorn avatar 1500 to display a sneer expression inresponse to detecting the user's sneering facial expression. In someembodiments, the electronic device displays the changes to the avatar asa gradual animation of the changes to each of the modified features(e.g., the mouth, nostril, muzzle region, eyebrow), with the animatedchanges matching the direction and magnitude of the changes to thecorresponding physical features of the user (e.g., the user's lips andeyebrows). In other embodiments, the electronic device modifies thefeatures of the virtual avatar (e.g., the mouth, nostril, muzzle region,eyebrow) to a predefined position representing the unicorn's sneer.

In some embodiments, when the electronic device detects the user is nolonger making the sneering facial expression, the electronic devicemodifies the unicorn avatar 1500 to return to the neutral stateillustrated in 1511A. For example, when the user releases the sneerexpression, the electronic device removes the unicorn's eyebrow 1538 byanimating the eyebrow 1538 moving upward from the unicorn's eye 1532 anddisappearing into the unicorn's face below the unicorn's mane 1552 andears 1533. In addition, the electronic device animates the muzzle region1540 moving to its neutral position, the nostril 1536 returning to itsrelaxed state, and the unicorn's mouth 1530 closing to return to itsneutral position. In some embodiments, the electronic device displaysthe unicorn 1500 returning to its neutral position without animating thechanges to the modified features (e.g., the eyebrow, mouth, nostril, andmuzzle region). In other words, the electronic device displays aninstant change of the unicorn from the sneering expression shown in1511B to the neutral state shown in 1511A.

As illustrated in 1501C and 1511C, the electronic device detects theuser raising their eyebrows 1522 and, in response, modifies thedisplayed unicorn avatar 1500 to raise its eyebrows. For example, inresponse to detecting the user's raised eyebrows 1522, the electronicdevice modifies a front portion 1552A of the unicorn's mane 1552 to perkup, and introduces a unicorn eyebrow 1538 positioned above the unicorn'seye 1532 to convey the impression that the unicorn avatar 1500 israising its eyebrows 1538, as shown in 1511C. In this embodiment, theelectronic device introduces the unicorn's eyebrow 1538 and perks up thefront portion of the mane 1552 when the user's eyebrows 1522 are raised.The electronic device removes the unicorn's eyebrow 1538 and relaxes themane 1552 when the user's eyebrows 1522 return to their neutralposition. In some embodiments, the device returns the unicorn 1500 tothe neutral position by animating the eyebrow 1538 moving towards theunicorn's eye 1532 and disappearing into the unicorn's face above theunicorn's eye 1532. In addition, the electronic device animates thefront portion 1552A of the mane 1552 falling to its neutral position asthe eyebrow 1538 is removed.

As illustrated in 1501D and 1511D, the electronic device detects theuser rotating their head 1528 and, optionally, face 1524 (or variousphysical features comprising the face 1524) to the user's left side and,in response, modifies the unicorn avatar 1500 by rotating the unicorn'shead 1535 while leaving the unicorn's neck 1539 stationary. For example,the electronic device rotates the unicorn's head 1535 so that it turnstoward the perspective of a user viewing the unicorn avatar 1500 on adisplay (e.g., touch screen 112, display 340, display 450, display 504)of the electronic device. When the electronic device rotates theunicorn's head 1535 while maintaining the position of the unicorn's neck1539, the electronic device reveals features of the unicorn that werepreviously hidden when the unicorn 1500 was facing in the skewedorientation illustrated in 1511A. For example, as shown in 1511D, theelectronic device turns the unicorn's head 1535 to display both of theunicorn's eyes 1532, both nostrils 1536, and portions of the unicorn'sears 1533, horn 1550, and muzzle region 1540 that were previously hiddenfrom view. In addition, when the electronic device rotates the unicorn'shead 1535, the unicorn's mane 1552 moves with the unicorn's head 1535and the head 1535 tilts slightly downward so that the unicorn's mouth1530 disappears from view.

FIG. 15B illustrates an exemplary embodiment illustrating the electronicdevice modifying the unicorn avatar 1500 in response to detectingchanges in the user's physical features, such as facial features. Theunicorn avatar is shown having three displayed states (1512A, 1512B, and1512C), with each of the three displayed states of the unicorn avatarcorresponding, respectively, to three detected states of the user(1502A, 1502B, and 1502C). In each displayed state in FIG. 15B, theelectronic device positions or modifies features of the unicorn avatarin response to detecting a position, or change in position, of one ormore of the physical features, such as facial features, of the userdetected in the respective states of the user. In each of the threedisplayed states, the boundaries of the displayed states (e.g., theborders of 1512A, 1512B, and 1512C) represent the boundaries of adisplayed region that includes the virtual avatar.

As illustrated in 1502A and 1512A, the electronic device detects theuser making a puckering expression and, in response, modifies theunicorn avatar 1500 by replacing the unicorn's mouth 1530 with a set ofpuckered lips 1531. In some embodiments, such as that shown in 1502A,the electronic device determines the user is making a puckeringexpression by detecting the user's jaw 1527 in a closed position anddetecting the corners of the user's mouth 1520 moving towards each otherto cause the user's lips (e.g., both the user's upper lip 1520A andlower lip 1520B) to extend outward from the user's mouth 1520 in apuckered pose. In response to detecting the user's puckering expression,the electronic device modifies the unicorn avatar 1500 by changing theunicorn's mouth 1530 into a set of puckered lips 1531, while foregoingmodifying any other features of the unicorn 1500 as shown in 1512A.

As illustrated in 1502B and 1512B, the electronic device detects theuser holding the pucker expression for a threshold amount of time and,in response, modifies the unicorn avatar 1500 by introducing one or morerainbow hearts 1555 displayed emitting from the unicorn's puckered lips1531. In the embodiments illustrated in 1512A and 1512B, the electronicdevice does not immediately introduce the rainbow hearts 1555 inresponse to detecting the user's puckering expression. Instead, theelectronic device modifies the puckering unicorn avatar 1500 tointroduce the rainbow hearts 1555 emitting from the puckered lips 1531only after the electronic device detects the user holding the puckeringexpression for a threshold amount of time.

In some embodiments, the electronic device modifies the unicorn avatarto introduce only a single rainbow heart 1555 emitted from the puckeredlips 1531 when the user holds the puckering expression for a firstthreshold amount of time (e.g., 0.3 seconds), and then modifies theunicorn avatar to introduce additional rainbow hearts 1555 emitted fromthe puckered lips 1531 after the user continues to hold the puckeringexpression to reach a second threshold amount of time (e.g., 0.6seconds). In some embodiments, the rainbow hearts 1555 are animated anddynamic. For example, in some embodiments, the electronic devicedisplays the rainbow hearts 1555 emitting from the puckered lips 1531intermittently and, optionally, in random intervals. In someembodiments, the electronic device displays the rainbow hearts 1555having different sizes. In some embodiments, the electronic devicedisplays the rainbow hearts 1555 increasing in size as they move awayfrom the puckered lips 1531. Additionally, the electronic devicedisplays, in some embodiments, each rainbow heart 1555 moving in arandomized trajectory and disappearing at a random location locatedwithin the display region of 1512B or, alternatively, disappearing fromview as it exits the display region of 1512B.

In some embodiments, the electronic device displays the rainbow hearts1555 emitting from the puckered lips 1531 in a direction that is basedon the direction the user or avatar is facing. For example, if theelectronic device detects the user's face, or the avatar, is turned tothe left, the puckered lips 1531 emit the rainbow hearts 1555 to theleft, and if the electronic device detects the user's face, or theavatar, is turned to the right, the puckered lips 1531 emit the rainbowhearts 1555 to the right. In some embodiments, the electronic devicecontinues to display the rainbow hearts 1555 emitting from the unicorn'spuckered lips 1531 until the user stops making the puckering facialexpression. In some embodiments, when the user stops making thepuckering facial expression, the electronic device modifies the unicornavatar 1500 such that the rainbow hearts 1555 disappear and the puckeredlips 1531 are replaced with the unicorn mouth 1530.

In 1502C, the electronic device detects the user raising their eyebrows1522 while simultaneously maintaining the puckered expression discussedabove with respect to 1502B. As shown in 1512C, in response to detectingthe user raising their eyebrows 1522, the electronic device modifies theunicorn 1535 to raise its eyebrows while still producing the rainbowhearts 1555 discussed above with respect to 1512B. For example, whiledisplaying the unicorn 1500 emitting rainbow hearts 1555 from thepuckered lips 1531, the electronic device further modifies the unicorn1500 (in response to detecting the user raising their eyebrows 1522)such that the front portion 1552A of the unicorn's mane 1552 perks up,and the unicorn's eyebrow 1538 is introduced above the unicorn's eye1532 to convey the impression that the unicorn avatar 1500 is raisingits eyebrows 1538 while emitting rainbow hearts 1555, as shown in 1512C.In some embodiments, movement of mane 1552 occurs in accordance with oneor more physics models (e.g., a model of inertia, a model of gravity, aforce transfer model, a friction model).

FIG. 16A illustrates an exemplary embodiment illustrating the electronicdevice modifying a chicken avatar 1600 in response to detecting changesin a user's physical features, such as facial features. The chickenavatar is shown having four displayed states (1611A, 1611B, 1611C, and1611D), with each of the four displayed states of the chicken avatarcorresponding, respectively, to four detected states of the user (1601A,1601B, 1601C, and 1601D). In each displayed state in FIG. 16A, theelectronic device positions or modifies features of the chicken avatarin response to detecting a position, or change in position, of one ormore of the physical features, such as facial features, of the userdetected in the respective states of the user.

In 1601A, the electronic device detects the neutral facial expression ofthe user (e.g., the user's eyes 1623 are open, eyebrows 1622 are in arelaxed position above the user's eyes 1623, the user's cheeks 1628 arerelaxed and not expanded, and the user's mouth 1620 is in a relaxed,neutral state, and not a position associated with a particular facialexpression). In response to detecting the neutral facial expression, theelectronic device displays the chicken avatar 1600 having a neutralstate in 1611A. For example, the electronic device displays the chicken1600 having a beak 1630 in a closed position and wattles 1650 extendingfrom the chicken's facial region 1655 and hanging loosely from thechicken's head 1635. In addition, the electronic device displays thechicken 1600 with no cheeks. In some embodiments, the neutral positionof the avatar corresponds to other representations of a related image,such as a static chicken emoji that may be found in messagingapplications.

As illustrated in 1601B and 1611B, the electronic device detects theuser's cheeks 1628 in a puffed or expanded position (e.g., the userfills their cheeks 1628 with air so that they expand beyond the neutralposition shown in 1601A) and, in response, modifies the chicken avatar1600 by introducing cheeks 1633 to display the chicken puffing itscheeks 1633. In addition to introducing the puffed chicken cheeks 1633,the electronic device displays an animation of the chicken wattles 1650swinging from their neutral position (shown in 1611A) to a widenedposition (shown in 1611B) when the chicken's cheeks 1633 are puffed. Insome embodiments, the electronic device displays the wattles 1650 havinginertia by displaying the wattles 1650 wiggling as a result of beingmoved from their neutral position in 1611A to the widened position in1611B.

In 1601C and 1601D, the electronic device detects the user's cheeks 1628returning to their neutral position (e.g., not expanded or puffed). Inresponse, the electronic device modifies the chicken avatar 1600 toremove the puffed cheeks 1633, as shown in 1611C and 1611D. For example,the electronic device removes the cheeks 1633 and displays the chickenwattles 1650 swinging from the widened position in 1611B to in anarrowed position in 1611C, before ultimately settling in their neutralposition in 1611D.

FIG. 16B illustrates an exemplary embodiment illustrating the electronicdevice modifying the chicken avatar 1600 in response to detectingchanges in the user's physical features, such as facial features. Thechicken avatar is shown having three displayed states (1612A, 1612B, and1612C), with each of the three displayed states of the chicken avatarcorresponding, respectively, to three detected states of the user(1602A, 1602B, and 1602C). In each displayed state in FIG. 16B, theelectronic device positions or modifies features of the chicken avatarin response to detecting a position, or change in position, of one ormore of the physical features, such as facial features, of the userdetected in the respective states of the user. In each of the threedisplayed states, the boundaries of the displayed states (e.g., theborders of 1612A, 1612B, and 1612C) represent the boundaries of adisplayed region that includes the virtual avatar.

As illustrated in 1602A and 1612A, the electronic device detects theuser making a puckering expression and, in response, modifies thechicken avatar 1600 by replacing the tip of the chicken's beak 1630 witha set of puckered lips 1645. In some embodiments, such as that shown in1602A, the electronic device determines the user is making a puckeringexpression by detecting the user's jaw 1627 in a closed position anddetecting the corners of the user's mouth 1620 moving towards each otherto cause the user's lips (e.g., both the user's upper lip 1620A andlower lip 1620B) to extend outward from the user's mouth 1620 in apuckered pose. In response to detecting the user's puckering expression,the electronic device modifies the chicken avatar 1600 by changing a tipof the chicken's beak 1630 into a set of puckered lips 1645, whileforegoing modifying any other features of the chicken 1600 as shown in1612A.

In 1602B and 1602C, the electronic device detects the user's head 1629turned to the side while holding the pucker expression for a thresholdamount of time. In response, the electronic device modifies the chickenavatar 1600 by facing the chicken's head 1635 to the left or right(depending on the detected direction of the user's head 1629) andintroducing one or more hearts 1652 displayed emitting from thechicken's puckered lips 1645. In the embodiments illustrated in FIG.16B, the electronic device does not immediately introduce the hearts1652 in response to detecting the user's puckering expression. Instead,the electronic device modifies the puckering chicken avatar 1600 tointroduce the hearts 1652 emitting from the puckered lips 1645 onlyafter the electronic device detects the user holding the puckeringexpression for a threshold amount of time.

In some embodiments, the electronic device modifies the chicken avatar1600 to introduce only a single heart 1652 emitted from the puckeredlips 1645 when the user holds the puckering expression for a firstthreshold amount of time (e.g., 0.3 seconds), and then modifies thechicken avatar 1600 to introduce additional hearts 1652 emitted from thepuckered lips 1645 after the user continues to hold the puckeringexpression to reach a second threshold amount of time (e.g., 0.6seconds). In some embodiments, the hearts 1652 are animated and dynamic.For example, in some embodiments, the electronic device displays thehearts 1652 emitting from the puckered lips 1645 intermittently and,optionally, in random intervals. In some embodiments, the electronicdevice displays the hearts 1652 having different sizes. In someembodiments, the electronic device displays the hearts 1652 increasingin size as they move away from the puckered lips 1645. Additionally, theelectronic device displays, in some embodiments, each heart 1652 movingin a randomized trajectory and disappearing at a random location locatedwithin the display region (e.g., the display region of 1612B or 1612C)or, alternatively, disappearing from view as it exits the display region(e.g., the display region of 1612B or 1612C).

In some embodiments, the electronic device displays the hearts 1652emitting from the puckered lips 1645 in a direction that is based on thedirection the user or avatar is facing. For example, as shown in 1602Band 1612B, the electronic device detects the user's head 1629 is turnedto the user's right direction (e.g., turned to the left with respect tothe field of view of the camera), and the electronic device displays thechicken's head 1635 facing to the right to mirror the user's head 1629.Thus, the electronic device displays the hearts 1652 emitting from thepuckered lips 1645 in the rightward direction that the chicken avatar1600 is facing, as shown in 1612B. Conversely, as shown in 1602C and1612C, the electronic device detects the user's head 1629 is turned tothe user's left direction (e.g., turned to the right with respect to thefield of view of the camera), and the electronic device displays thechicken's head 1635 facing to the left to mirror the user's head 1629.Thus, the electronic device displays the hearts 1652 emitting from thepuckered lips 1645 in the leftward direction that the chicken avatar1600 is facing, as shown in 1612C.

In some embodiments, the electronic device continues to display thehearts 1652 emitting from the chicken's puckered lips 1645 until theuser stops making the puckering facial expression. In some embodiments,when the user stops making the puckering facial expression, theelectronic device modifies the chicken avatar 1600 such that the hearts1652 disappear and the puckered lips 1645 are replaced with the tip ofthe chicken's beak 1630.

FIG. 17A illustrates an exemplary embodiment illustrating the electronicdevice modifying a pig avatar 1700 in response to detecting changes in auser's physical features, such as facial features. The pig avatar isshown having two displayed states (1711A and 1711B), with each of thetwo displayed states of the pig avatar corresponding, respectively, totwo detected states of the user (1701A and 1701B). In each displayedstate in FIG. 17A, the electronic device positions or modifies featuresof the pig avatar in response to detecting a position, or change inposition, of one or more of the physical features, such as facialfeatures, of the user detected in the respective states of the user.

In 1701A, the electronic device detects the neutral facial expression ofthe user (e.g., the user's eyes 1723 are open, eyebrows 1722 are in arelaxed position above the user's eyes 1223, and the user's mouth 1720is in a relaxed, neutral state, and not a position associated with aparticular facial expression). In response to detecting the neutralfacial expression, the electronic device displays the pig avatar 1700having a neutral state in 1711A. For example, the electronic devicedisplays the pig 1700 having eyes 1732 vertically centered on the pig'shead 1735 and displayed without eyebrows and looking in a directionperpendicular to the display (or a plane of focus of the camera (e.g.,camera 143, optical sensor 164)). The electronic device also displaysthe pig 1700 having a nose 1736 horizontally centered on the pig's head1735 and positioned slightly below the pig's eyes 1732. In the neutralstate, the electronic device displays the pig 1700 having a mouth 1730in a closed position located below the pig's nose 1736, as shown in1711A. In some embodiments, the neutral position of the avatarcorresponds to other representations of a related image, such as astatic pig emoji that may be found in messaging applications.

As illustrated in 1701B and 1711B, the electronic device detects theuser's upper lip 1720A in a raised position and the user's eyebrows 1722in a lowered position (e.g., the user is making a sneering facialexpression) and, in response, modifies the displayed pig avatar 1700 todisplay a sneering expression. For example, the electronic devicemodifies the pig avatar 1700 to introduce eyebrows 1738 positioned in afurrowed state that partially obstructs upper portions of the pig's eyes1732 as shown in 1711B. In addition, the electronic device modifies thepig's mouth 1730 and nose 1736 to display the pig's sneering expression.For example, the electronic device displays the pig's mouth 1730 in anopened position revealing the pig's teeth 1742, and shifts the pig'snose 1736 in an upward direction. As shown in 1701B and 1711B, thechange in the pig's nose 1736 is exaggerated with respect to the changein the user's upper lip 1720A in that change in the avatar's nose is agreater percentage (e.g., 30%) of a maximum range of modelled motioncompared to the percentage change (e.g., 10% of a predicted ordetermined range of motion) in the user's lip.

In some embodiments, when the electronic device detects the user is nolonger making the sneering expression, the electronic device modifiesthe pig avatar 1700 to return to the neutral state illustrated in 1711A.For example, when the user releases the sneer expression, the electronicdevice removes the pig's eyebrows 1738 by animating the eyebrows 1738moving upward from the pig's eyes 1732 and disappearing into the pig'sface below the top of the pig's head 1735. In addition, the electronicdevice animates the pig's mouth 1730 closing to hide the teeth 1742 andreturn to its neutral position, and animates the pig's nose 1736 movingto its relaxed state shown in 1711A.

FIG. 17B illustrates an exemplary embodiment illustrating the electronicdevice modifying the pig avatar 1700 in response to detecting changes inthe user's physical features, such as facial features. The pig avatar isshown having four displayed states (1712A, 1712B, 1712C, and 1712D),with each of the four displayed states of the pig avatar corresponding,respectively, to four detected states of the user (1702A, 1702B, 1702C,and 1702D). In each displayed state in FIG. 17B, the electronic devicepositions or modifies features of the pig avatar in response todetecting a position, or change in position, of one or more of thephysical features, such as facial features, of the user detected in therespective states of the user.

As illustrated in 1702A and 1712A, the electronic device detects theuser's mouth 1720 (e.g., upper lip 1720A and lower lip 1720B) is shiftedto the user's left (e.g., shifted to the right with respect to the fieldof view of the camera) and, in response, modifies both the pig's mouth1730 and nose 1736. For example, the electronic device shifts the pig'snose 1736 horizontally to the left side of the pig's head 1735. Inaddition, the electronic device modifies the pig's mouth 1730 byshortening the mouth 1730, and rotating and shifting the mouth 1730horizontally to the left side of the pig's head 1735 so as to mirror themovement of the user's mouth 1720.

As shown in 1702A, the tip of the user's nose 1725 shifts slightly withthe user's mouth 1720. In some embodiments, the electronic device doesnot directly monitor or detect movement of the user's nose 1725 but,nevertheless, accounts for movement of the user's nose 1725 by modifyingthe pig's nose 1736 to move in response to the shifting pig's mouth1730, as shown in 1712A. For example, the electronic device modifies thepig's nose 1736 so that it shifts horizontally as the pig's mouth 1730shifts, thereby conveying an interconnected facial relationship betweenthe pig's mouth 1730 and nose 1736 that is similar to the interconnectedfacial relationship between the user's mouth 1720 and nose 1725. In theembodiment illustrated in 1712A, the electronic device shifts the pig'smouth 1730 and nose 1736 to the left and slightly rotates the mouth 1730clockwise. This combination of modifications to the pig's mouth 1730 andnose 1736 mimics the movement of the user's mouth 1720 and nose 1725 andgives the appearance that the pig's facial features, particularly thepig's nose 1736 and mouth 1730, are interconnected in a manner similarto that of the user's mouth 1720 and nose 1725.

1702B illustrates movements of the user's mouth 1720 and nose 1725 in adirection opposite that shown in 1702A, and 1712B illustrates theelectronic device's corresponding modifications to the pig avatar 1700.These modifications to the pig avatar 1700 are similar to thosediscussed above with respect to 1712A, but are instead shown in oppositedirections. For example, in 1702B, the user's mouth 1720 and nose 1725are shown shifted to the user's right (e.g., shifted to the left withrespect to the field of view of the camera) and, in response, theelectronic device shifts the pig's nose 1736 the right side of the pig'shead 1735, shortens the pig's mouth 1730, rotates the mouth 1730slightly in a counterclockwise direction, and shifts the mouth 1730horizontally to the right side of the pig's head 1735 under the shiftednose 1736, as shown in 1712B. Again, this combination of modificationsto the pig's mouth 1730 and nose 1736 mimics the movement of the user'smouth 1720 and nose 1725 and gives the appearance that the pig's facialfeatures are interconnected in a manner similar to that of the user'smouth 1720 and nose 1725.

As illustrated in 1702C and 1712C, the electronic device detects one orboth of the corners 1720C and 1720D of the user's mouth 1720 in anupward pose (e.g., forming a smiling facial expression) and, inresponse, modifies the pig avatar 1700 to have a smiling expression. Forexample, the electronic device modifies the position of the pig's mouth1730 and nose 1736 so that they are both raised with respect to theirneutral positions shown in 1711A. For example, in 1712C, the electronicdevice raises the pig's nose 1736 so that the top of the pig's nose 1736is positioned at or above the middle of the pig's eyes 1732. Similarly,the electronic device raises the pig's mouth 1730 so that it retains thesame relative positioning with respect to the pig's nose 1736 as it hasin the neutral state. As a result, the electronic device displays boththe pig's nose 1736 and the pig's mouth 1730 in a raised position on thepig's head 1735 in response to detecting the user's smiling facialexpression. In some embodiments, the electronic device also adjusts theshape of the pig's mouth 1730 to form a smiling expression (e.g., withan opened, smiling shape).

As illustrated in 1702D and 1712D, the electronic device detects one orboth of the corners 1720C and 1720D of the user's mouth 1720 positionedin a downward pose (e.g., a sad facial expression) and, in response,modifies the pig avatar 1700 to have a sad expression. For example, theelectronic device modifies the position of the pig's mouth 1730 and nose1736 so that they are both lowered with respect to their neutralpositions shown in 1711A. For example, in 1712D, the electronic devicelowers the pig's nose 1736 so that the top of the pig's nose 1736 ispositioned at or below the bottom of the pig's eyes 1732. Similarly, theelectronic device lowers the pig's mouth 1730 so that it retains thesame relative positioning with respect to the pig's nose 1736 as it hasin the neutral state. As a result, the electronic device displays boththe pig's nose 1736 and the pig's mouth 1730 in a lowered position onthe pig's head 1735 in response to detecting the user's sad facialexpression. In some embodiments, such as that shown in 1712D, theelectronic device also adjusts the shape of the pig's mouth 1730 to forma sad expression by curving the pig's mouth 1730 in a downwarddirection.

In the examples provided in FIGS. 10A-10I, 11A-11C, 12A-12C, 13,14A-14D, 15A-15B, 16A-16B, and 17A-17B, the electronic device detectsthe user transitioning between various positions of the user's physicalfeatures, and then updates or modifies the virtual avatar (e.g., poo,bear, alien, rabbit, robot, unicorn, chicken, or pig avatar) inaccordance with the detected changes in the user's physical features. Inthese examples, the electronic device transitions display of the virtualavatar between various expressions and positions by maintainingcharacteristics of certain features of the virtual avatar and animatingchanges to other virtual avatar features. For example, as shown in1001A-1001D of FIG. 10A, the device maintains the position of the avatareyes 1030 while modifying other avatar features, such as the avatarmouth 1030, eyebrows 1038, and upper portion 1034. It should beappreciated that while states of the avatar correspond to the respectivedetected states of the user (e.g., displayed avatar states 1011A-1011Dcorrespond to detected user states 1001A-1001D, respectively), the orderof the detected user states (and resulting avatar states) is not limitedto that shown in FIGS. 10A-10I, 11A-11C, 12A-12C, 13, 14A-14D, 15A-15B,16A-16B, and 17A-17B. Accordingly, the user can change any physicalfeatures or assume any desired positions, and the electronic devicemodifies the virtual avatar in response to the detected changes,regardless of the order in which they occur.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are a flow diagram illustrating a method, at anelectronic device, for generating a virtual avatar based on a facedetected by one or more cameras in accordance with some embodiments.Method 1800 is performed at an electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500,600) with one or more cameras (e.g., 164, 602) and a display apparatus(e.g., 112, 340, 504, 601). Some operations in method 1800 are,optionally, combined, the orders of some operations are, optionally,changed, and some operations are, optionally, omitted.

As described below, method 1800 provides an intuitive way for generatingvirtual avatars that have portions that react differently to differenttypes of change in pose. The method reduces the physical and cognitiveburden on a user for generating virtual avatars, thereby creating a moreefficient human-machine interface. For battery-operated computingdevices, enabling a user to generate a desired virtual avatar faster andmore efficiently conserves power and increases the time between batterycharges. Examples of method 1800 may be found in the user interfaces andvirtual avatars discussed with reference to FIGS. 10A-10I and 15A-15B.

The electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) displays (1802), viathe display apparatus (e.g., 112, 340, 504, 601) a virtual avatar (e.g.,1000, 1500) (e.g., a representation of the user that can be graphicallydepicted) that changes appearance in response to changes in a face in afield of view of the one or more cameras. Changing the appearance of thevirtual avatar in response to changes in a face in the field of view ofone or more cameras provides the user with options for controllingmodifications to a virtual avatar without requiring displayed userinterface control (e.g., touch control) elements. Providing additionalcontrol options without cluttering the user interface with additionalcontrols enhances the operability of the device making the user-deviceinterface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide properinputs and reducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with thedevice) which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves batterylife of the device by enabling the user to use the device more quicklyand efficiently.

The virtual avatar includes a first portion (e.g., 1034, 1535) (e.g.,the head and face (e.g., non-lower neck portion)), and a second portion(e.g., 1036, 1539) (e.g., lower neck (e.g., non-head and upper neck))that is different from the first portion (1804).

In some examples (1814), the first portion (e.g., 1034, 1535) isreactive (e.g., detected movements are modeled, the visual appearance(especially the displayed orientation) is updated based on movement) toa first type of changes in pose (e.g., rotation along the x-axis (e.g.,nodding of the head) or y-axis (e.g., shaking head side-to-side)) of theface (e.g., a user's head, a collection of one or more interrelatedfacial features (e.g., mouth, eyes, noses, muscles or muscle groups)that are collectively interpreted as a face) and a second type ofchanges in pose of the face (e.g., translation of the entire face/headalong the x, y, or z axes (e.g., re-positioning of the entire face/headwithin the field of view).

In some examples, the second portion (e.g., 1036, 1539) has reducedreactivity (e.g., the second portion reacts less to the first type ofchanges in orientation of the face) than the first portion reacts to thefirst type of changes in orientation of the face. In some examples, thesecond portion is unreactive to the first type of changes in orientationof the face such that detected orientation changes of the first type arenot directly modeled, and the visual appearance (especially thedisplayed orientation) is not updated based on detected movement. Insome examples, the second portion is a non-facial feature (e.g., a neck)that is not mapped to, or directly controlled by, any detected facialfeatures. In some examples, the second portion is not directly reactiveto changes in orientation of the first type, but can be indirectlyreactive (e.g., based on movement of the first portion caused by changesin orientation of the first type, based on a connection between thefirst portion and the second portion) to the first type of changes inpose of the face and is reactive to the second type of changes in poseof the face. In some examples, changes in pose of the user's face (e.g.,translation changes) that occur along an axis parallel to (e.g., anx-axis, a y-axis), or normal to (e.g., a z-axis), the plane of the fieldof view of the one or more cameras result in movement of both a firstportion of the virtual avatar (e.g., 1034 or head 1535 of the virtualavatar) and a second portion of the virtual avatar (e.g., 1036 or a neck1539 of the virtual avatar). In contrast, in such embodiments, changesin pose of the user's face that occur around (e.g., rotational changes)an axis parallel to (e.g., an x-axis, a y-axis), or normal to (e.g., az-axis), the plane of the field of view of the one or more camerasresult in movement of the first portion of the virtual avatar withoutmovement (or with lesser movement) of the second portion of the virtualavatar. Having reduced reactivity to the second portion of the virtualavatar, compared to the first portion of the virtual avatar, for a firsttype of change in pose of the face provides the user with options fordifferentially affecting portions of the virtual avatar withoutrequiring displayed user interface control (e.g., touch control)elements. Providing additional control options without cluttering theuser interface with additional controls enhances the operability of thedevice, making the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., byhelping the user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakeswhen operating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some examples, prior to detecting the change in pose of the facewithin the field of view of the one or more cameras, the first portion(e.g., 1034, 1535) of the virtual avatar is not visually delineated(e.g., there is no visual indication of where the first portion ends(e.g., the bottom of the head 1535 or top of the neck 1539) and wherethe second portion begins (e.g., below the top of the neck)) from thesecond portion (e.g., 1036, 1539) of the virtual avatar. In someembodiments, the virtual avatar is a representation of a pile ofsemi-solid matter (e.g., a pile of poo such as poo avatar 1000), and thetop (e.g., 1034 and/or 1040) moves based on the first type of change inpose of the face while the bottom (e.g., 1036) does not move based onthe first type of change in pose of the face.

In some examples, the first portion (e.g., 1034, 1535) of the virtualavatar is at least a portion of a head feature of the virtual avatar andthe second portion (e.g., 1036, 1539) of the virtual avatar is at leasta portion of a neck feature of the virtual avatar. In some examples, thefirst portion of the virtual avatar is a head of a unicorn or horse(e.g., 1535), and the second portion of the virtual avatar is a neck ofthe unicorn or horse (e.g., 1539).

In some examples, prior to detecting the change in pose of the facewithin the field of view of the one or more cameras, the face isoriented in a first orientation with respect to the field of view of theone or more cameras (e.g., the face is oriented so as to be directlyfacing the one or more cameras), and, prior to detecting the change inpose of the face within the field of view of the one or more cameras,the virtual avatar (e.g., 1500) is displayed in a second orientationdifferent than the first orientation. In some examples, the virtualavatar is displayed having a skewed orientation in comparison to theorientation of the user's face. For example, when the user is directlyfacing the one or more cameras, such that the user's facial features arevisible (e.g., as shown in FIG. 15A), the virtual avatar (e.g., 1500) isdisplayed at a skewed angle such that portions (e.g., avatar featuressuch as an eye 1532, an ear 1533, etc.) of the virtual avatar are notdisplayed (e.g., hidden or partially hidden). In some examples, one ormore of the hidden avatar features are revealed in response to movementof the face (e.g., if the face rotates to the side, at least a portionof a formerly hidden avatar feature such as an eye 1532 or ear 1533 isdisplayed via the display device as shown in 1511D of FIG. 15A).

In some examples, movement of the first portion (e.g., 1034, 1535 or aportion thereof) (e.g., an ear for a canine virtual avatar, a mane(e.g., 1552) of an equine virtual avatar (e.g., 1500)) of the virtualavatar or movement of the second portion (e.g., 1036, 1539 or a portionthereof) of the virtual avatar occurs in accordance to one or morephysics models (e.g., a model of inertia, a model of gravity, a forcetransfer model, a friction model). In some examples, the physics modelspecifies a magnitude and direction of movement of an avatar featurebased on a magnitude and direction of movement of the face or a portionof the face and one or more predefined properties of the virtual avatarfeature such as a simulated mass, simulated elasticity, simulatedcoefficient of friction or other simulated physical property.

In some examples (1816), the first portion (e.g., 1034, 1535) is anupper portion of the virtual avatar and the second portion (e.g., 1036,1539) is a lower portion of the virtual avatar. In some embodiments, thefirst portion is a first side of the virtual avatar and the secondportion is a second side of the virtual avatar that is different from(e.g., opposite from) the first side.

In some examples, the change in pose of the face includes only the firsttype of change (e.g., a change in pose that only includes a rotationalcomponent, without a translational component), and moving the firstportion (e.g., 1034, 1535) of the virtual avatar relative to the secondportion (e.g., 1036, 1539) of the virtual avatar based on the magnitudeof the first type of change in pose of the face includes moving thefirst portion of the virtual avatar without moving the second portion ofthe virtual avatar. Moving the first portion of the virtual avatarwithout moving the second portion of the virtual avatar provides theuser with feedback indicating that further movement of the same physicalfeature will cause the device to move only the first portion, withoutmoving the second portion of the virtual avatar. Providing improvedvisual feedback to the user enhances the operability of the device andmakes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping theuser to achieve an intended result by providing feedback indicative ofan input that will cause the device to generate the intended result andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some examples, a change in pose of the first type (e.g., a rotationalchange in pose) of the face causes movement of only the first portion(e.g., 1034, 1535) of the virtual avatar, without movement of the secondportion (e.g., 1036, 1539) of the virtual avatar. For example, if theuser in the field of view of the camera rotates their entire body (e.g.,face, neck, and shoulders as shown in FIG. 10D) only the first portion(e.g., an avatar face (e.g., 1000C, 1535)) of the virtual avatar moves(e.g., rotates), while a second portion (e.g., an avatar neck (e.g.,1539) or lower portion (e.g., 1036)) of the virtual avatar does notmove. That is, the portions of the virtual avatar react differentiallyto movement of the user. In some examples, a portion of the virtualavatar that anatomically/physiologically corresponds to a portion of theuser (e.g., an avatar neck that anatomically corresponds to the user'sneck) does not react to certain movements of the corresponding feature,even if movements of those features are tracked. In some examples, onlythe movement of the user's face (e.g., 1024) is tracked or used toaffect the virtual avatar, even if other features (e.g., the user's neck(e.g., 1025)) are present in the field of view of the camera.

In some examples, the virtual avatar further includes a third portion(e.g., an upper-neck portion, a portion in between or connecting 1034 to1036 or 1535 to 1539) that is different from the first portion (e.g.,1034, 1535) and the second portion (e.g., 1036, 1539). In someembodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 10E, the first portion is thetip 1040, the second portion is the lower portion 1036, and the thirdportion is a middle portion 1031 that forms a portion of the upperportion (e.g., 1034) and connects the tip 1040 of the upper portion tothe lower portion 1036. Further in accordance with a determination thatthe change in pose of the face includes the first type of change in poseof the face (e.g., rotational movement), the electronic device (e.g.,100, 300, 500, 600) moves the third portion of the virtual avatarrelative to the second portion of the virtual avatar, wherein themovement of the third portion relative to the second portion is lessthan the movement of the first portion relative to the second portion.Moving the third portion of the virtual avatar relative to the secondportion of the virtual avatar in an amount less than the movement of thefirst portion relative to the second portion provides the user withfeedback indicating that further movement of the same physical featurewill cause the device to move the third portion (relative to the secondportion) to a lesser degree than it will cause the device to move thefirst portion (relative to the second portion). Providing improvedvisual feedback to the user enhances the operability of the device andmakes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping theuser to achieve an intended result by providing feedback indicative ofan input that will cause the device to generate the intended result andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some examples, the rotational movement results in a first degree ofmovement of the first portion (e.g., 1040, 1535) relative to the secondportion (e.g., 1036, 1539) of the virtual avatar, and a second degree ofmovement of the third portion (e.g., 1031) relative to the secondportion of the virtual avatar, wherein the second degree of movement isless than the first degree of movement. In some examples, the secondportion is a non-facial feature (e.g., a lower neck portion (e.g., 1036,1539)) that is not mapped to, or directly controlled by, any detectedfacial features. In some examples, the second portion is not reactive tochanges in orientation of the first type. In some examples, the thirdportion is a non-facial feature (e.g., an upper neck portion) that isnot mapped to, or directly controlled by, any detected facial features.In some examples, the third portion provides a connection between thefirst portion and the second portion. In some examples, the amount ofchange in the virtual avatar due to the first type of change in pose ofthe face scales gradually from a small amount of change near the secondportion of the virtual avatar (e.g., near 1036) to a large amount ofchange near the first portion of the virtual avatar (e.g., near 1040).

In some examples, the third portion (e.g., an upper-neck portion, aportion in between or connecting 1034 to 1036 or 1535 to 1539) of thevirtual avatar is positioned between the first portion (e.g., 1040,1535) of the virtual avatar and the second portion (e.g., 1036, 1539) ofthe virtual avatar. In some examples, the third portion is a middleregion of the virtual avatar (e.g., 1031 or an upper-neck region) thathas dampened movement characteristics relative to the first portion ofthe virtual avatar.

In some examples, moving the third portion (e.g., an upper-neck portion,a portion in between or connecting 1034 to 1036 or 1535 to 1539) of thevirtual avatar relative to the second portion (e.g., 1036, 1539) of thevirtual avatar includes moving the third portion of the virtual avatarabout an axis (e.g., 1051) extending between the first portion (e.g.,1034, 1535) of the virtual avatar and the second portion of the virtualavatar. Moving the third portion of the virtual avatar about an axisextending between the first portion and the second portion of thevirtual avatar provides the user with feedback indicating that furthermovement of the same physical feature will cause the device to restrictmovement of the third portion about the axis between the first andsecond portions of the virtual avatar. Providing improved visualfeedback to the user enhances the operability of the device and makesthe user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user toachieve an intended result by providing feedback indicative of an inputthat will cause the device to generate the intended result and reducinguser mistakes when operating/interacting with the device) which,additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life of thedevice by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some examples, movement of the third portion (e.g., middle portion1031) is a twisting motion about the axis (e.g., 1051) extending betweenthe first and second portions (e.g., tip 1040 and bottom 1036) of thevirtual avatar. In some examples, the movement of the third portion is arotational movement about an axis that is parallel to the plane of thedisplay or a plane of focus of the one or more cameras (e.g., an up/downaxis 1051). In some examples, the movement of the third portion is arotational movement about an axis extending out of the plane of thedisplay or a plane of focus of the one or more cameras. For example,when the user rotates their face about an axis normal to the plane ofthe field of view of the camera, portions of the virtual avatar (e.g.,the first portion, the second portion, and/or the third portion) arerotated about an axis extending out of the plane of the display.

In some examples, the change in pose of the face includes only thesecond type of change (e.g., a change in pose that only includes atranslational component, without a rotational component), and movingboth the first portion (e.g., 1034, 1535) of the virtual avatar and thesecond portion (e.g., 1036, 1539) of the virtual avatar based on amagnitude of the second type of change in pose of the face includesmaintaining the relative position of the first portion of the virtualavatar with respect to the position of the second portion of the virtualavatar. Maintaining the relative position of the first portion of thevirtual avatar with respect to the position of the second portion of thevirtual avatar provides the user with feedback indicating that furthermovement of the same type of change will cause the device to move boththe first portion of the virtual avatar and the second portion of thevirtual avatar in the same direction without moving the first and secondportions relative to each other. Providing improved visual feedback tothe user enhances the operability of the device and makes theuser-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user toachieve an intended result by providing feedback indicative of an inputthat will cause the device to generate the intended result and reducinguser mistakes when operating/interacting with the device) which,additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life of thedevice by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some examples, a change in pose of the second type (e.g., atranslational change in pose) of the face causes movement of both thefirst and second portions of the virtual avatar by a similar magnitude,such that the relative positions of the first and second portions remainunchanged (e.g., movement of the first portion and the second portionoccurs without moving the first portion relative to the second portion).For example, as shown in FIG. 10F, if the user in the field of view ofthe camera translates their face with respect to the camera (e.g.,shifts their face 1024 in a respective direction parallel to a plane offocus of the one or more cameras or a plane of the display as shown in1006B, 1006C, and 1006D), both the first portion (e.g., an avatar faceor upper portion 1034) and the second portion (e.g., an avatar neck orlower portion 1036) move (e.g., translate as shown in 1016B, 1016C, and1016D). That is, the portions of the virtual avatar react similarly tothe translational movement of the user's face.

While displaying, via the display apparatus, the virtual avatar, theelectronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) detects (1806) a change inpose (e.g., position and/or orientation) of the face within the field ofview of the one or more cameras.

In response to detecting the change in pose of the face, the electronicdevice (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) changes (1808) an appearance of thevirtual avatar and can perform one or more of the following operations.In accordance with a determination that the change in pose of the faceincludes a first type of change in pose of the face (e.g., a change inorientation of the face), the electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500,600) changes (1810) the appearance of the virtual avatar, includingmoving the first portion (e.g., 1034, 1535) of the virtual avatarrelative to the second portion (e.g., 1036, 1539) of the virtual avatarin accordance with a magnitude of the first type of change in pose ofthe face. Moving the first portion of the virtual avatar relative to thesecond portion of the virtual avatar in accordance with a magnitude ofthe first type of change in pose of the face provides the user withfeedback indicating that further movement of the same type of changewill cause the device to move the first portion of the virtual avatar(with respect to the second portion) in an amount determined by themagnitude of the further movement of the same type. Providing improvedvisual feedback to the user enhances the operability of the device andmakes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping theuser to achieve an intended result by providing feedback indicative ofan input that will cause the device to generate the intended result andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some examples, the movement of the first portion (e.g., 1034, 1535)relative to the second portion (e.g., 1036, 1539) occurs without movingthe second portion relative to the displayed frame of view. That is, thefirst portion moves within the displayed frame of view whereas thesecond portion remains fixed or substantially fixed within the displayedframe of view as shown in 1015B of FIG. 10E and 1511D of FIG. 15A. Insome examples, the movement of the first portion is a rotationalmovement around an axis, such as a rotation around a y-axis (e.g.,vertical axis, as displayed).

In accordance with a determination that the change in pose of the faceincludes a second type of change in pose of the face (e.g., a change inposition of the face), the electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600)changes (1812) the appearance of the virtual avatar, including movingboth the first portion of the virtual avatar and the second portion ofthe virtual avatar based on a magnitude of the second type of change inpose of the face. Moving both the first portion of the virtual avatarand the second portion of the virtual avatar based on a magnitude of thesecond type of change in pose of the face provides the user withfeedback indicating that further movement of the same type of change inpose of the face will cause the device to move both the first portion ofthe virtual avatar and the second portion of the virtual avatar in anamount determined by the magnitude of the further movement of the sametype. Providing improved visual feedback to the user enhances theoperability of the device and makes the user-device interface moreefficient (e.g., by helping the user to achieve an intended result byproviding feedback indicative of an input that will cause the device togenerate the intended result and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently. In some examples, themovement of the first portion and the second portion are translationalmovements along an axis (e.g., along the same axis), such as an x-axis(e.g., a horizontal axis, as displayed).

In some examples (1818), in accordance with a determination that thechange in pose of the face includes both the first type of change inpose of the face and the second type of change in pose of the face(e.g., as shown in FIG. 10C), changing the appearance of the virtualavatar includes moving (1820) the first portion (e.g., 1034, 1535) ofthe virtual avatar relative to the second portion (e.g., 1036, 1539) ofthe virtual avatar based on a magnitude of the first type of change inpose of the face (e.g., twisting a top (e.g., 1040 or 1034) of thevirtual avatar based on rotation of the face from side-to-side withreduced twisting or no twisting of the bottom (e.g., 1036) of thevirtual avatar), and moving both the first portion of the virtual avatarand the second portion of the virtual avatar based on a magnitude of thesecond type of change in pose of the face (e.g., moving the top (e.g.,1040 or 1034) and the bottom (e.g., 1036) of the virtual avatar based onshifting of the face in a particular direction such as up, down, left,or right). Moving the first portion of the virtual avatar relative tothe second portion of the virtual avatar based on a magnitude of thefirst type of change in pose of the face, and moving both the firstportion and second portion of the virtual avatar based on a magnitude ofthe second type of change in pose of the face provides the user withfeedback indicating that further movement of both the first and secondtypes of change will cause the device to move the first portion of thevirtual avatar (with respect to the second portion) in an amountdetermined by the magnitude of the further movement of the first type,and to move both the first portion of the virtual avatar and the secondportion of the virtual avatar in an amount determined by the magnitudeof the further movement of the second type. Providing improved visualfeedback to the user enhances the operability of the device and makesthe user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user toachieve an intended result by providing feedback indicative of an inputthat will cause the device to generate the intended result and reducinguser mistakes when operating/interacting with the device) which,additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life of thedevice by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

Note that details of the processes described above with respect tomethod 1800 (e.g., FIG. 18A-18B) are also applicable in an analogousmanner to the methods described above and to methods 1900, 2000, 21002200, 2300, 2400, and 2500, described below. For example, method 1800optionally includes one or more of the characteristics of the variousmethods described below and above with reference to methods 800, 900,1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, and 2500. For example, the methodsof generating, sending, and receiving animated avatars in accordancewith method 800 and 900 may employ virtual avatars (e.g., virtualavatars that have portions that react differently to different types ofchange in pose) generated in accordance with method 1800. Similarly,virtual avatars generated and/or modified in accordance method 1800 maybe included in the displayed preview of a virtual avatar in a virtualavatar generation interface (e.g., 804, 904) of method 800 or 900. Foranother example, virtual avatars (e.g., virtual avatars that haveportions that react differently to different types of change in pose)generated in accordance with method 1800 may also be generated inaccordance with the virtual avatar generation and modification methodsof methods 800, 900, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, and 2500. Forexample, a virtual avatar generated in accordance with method 1800 mayinclude one or more animated effects (e.g., 1140, 1142, 1252, 1452,1531, 1555, 1652). Similarly, a virtual avatar generated in accordancewith method 1800 may include an avatar feature (e.g., 1133) that reacts(e.g., 1904, 1910, 1914) to changes in both first (e.g., 1122) andsecond (e.g., 1120A-B) physical features. For brevity, further examplesare excluded.

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating a method, at an electronicdevice, for generating a virtual avatar based on a face detected by oneor more cameras in accordance with some embodiments. Method 1900 isperformed at an electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) with one ormore cameras (e.g., 164, 602) and a display apparatus (e.g., 112, 340,504, 601). Some operations in method 1900 are, optionally, combined, theorders of some operations are, optionally, changed, and some operationsare, optionally, omitted.

As described below, method 1900 provides an intuitive way for generatingvirtual avatars, while reacting to changes in position of the user'sface. The method reduces the cognitive burden on a user for generatingvirtual avatars, thereby creating a more efficient human-machineinterface. For battery-operated computing devices, enabling a user togenerate a desired virtual avatar faster and more efficiently conservespower and increases the time between battery charges. Examples of method1900 may be found in the user interfaces and virtual avatars discussedwith reference to FIGS. 11A-11C, 14A-14D, and 17A-17B.

The electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) displays (1902), viathe display apparatus (e.g., 112, 340, 504, 601) a virtual avatar (e.g.,1100, 1400, 1700). In some examples (1904), the virtual avatar includesa first avatar feature (e.g., ears 1133 of an animal-based avatar 1100,ears 1433 of a robot avatar 1400, nose 1736 of an animal-based avatar1700) and a second avatar feature (e.g., 1132, 1440, 1730). The firstavatar feature is reactive to changes in a first physical feature (e.g.,1122, 1420A/1420B, 1722) of a face (e.g. 1124, 1424, 1724) in a field ofview of the one or more cameras (e.g., 164, 602) and a second physicalfeature of the face within the field of view of the one or more cameras.In some embodiments the first physical feature is a distinctlyidentified user facial feature such as an eyebrow (1122), a singlefacial muscle (e.g., the corrugator supercilii or the frontalis muscle),or a collection of related facial muscles (e.g., a set of muscles thatcontrol movement of an eyebrow (1122), including the currugatorsupercilii and the frontalis muscle), and the second physical feature isa distinctly identified user facial feature such as a mouth (1120) orportion of a user's lip (1720A), a single facial muscle (e.g., thezygomaticus major or the levator labii superioris), or a collection ofrelated facial muscles (e.g., a set of muscles that control movement ofthe mouth (e.g., such as when smiling), including the zygomaticus majorand the levator labii superioris). Displaying a virtual avatar having afirst avatar feature reactive to changes in a first physical feature ofa face in the field of view of one or more cameras provides the userwith options for controlling modifications to portions of the virtualavatar without requiring displayed user interface control (e.g., touchcontrol) elements. Providing additional control options withoutcluttering the user interface with additional controls enhances theoperability of the device making the user-device interface moreefficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide proper inputs andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

While displaying the virtual avatar (e.g., 1100, 1400, 1700), theelectronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) detects (1906) changes(e.g., displacement or movement) in one or more physical features (e.g.,1122, 1420A/1420B, 1722) of the face (e.g., 1124, 1424, 1724) within thefield of view of the one or more cameras (e.g., 164, 602).

In accordance with a determination (1908) that the changes include achange in the first physical feature (e.g., a raising or lowering of theuser's eyebrow (1122, 1722), or a change in position of the user's lips(1420A/1420B)), the electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600)modifies (1910) the first avatar feature (e.g., 1133, 1430, 1736) of thevirtual avatar (e.g., 1100, 1400, 1700) based on the change in the firstphysical feature, and forgoes modifying the second avatar feature (e.g.,1132, 1440, 1730) based on the change in the first physical feature.Modifying the first avatar feature of the virtual avatar based on thechange in the first physical feature, and forgoing modifying the secondavatar feature based on the change in the first physical feature,provides the user with feedback indicating that further movement of, orchanges to, the same physical feature will cause the device to changethe first avatar feature without changing the second avatar feature.Providing improved visual feedback to the user enhances the operabilityof the device and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g.,by helping the user to achieve an intended result by providing feedbackindicative of an input that will cause the device to generate theintended result and reducing user mistakes when operating/interactingwith the device) which, additionally, reduces power usage and improvesbattery life of the device by enabling the user to use the device morequickly and efficiently. In some embodiments, when the user moves (e.g.,raises or lowers) their eyebrow 1122, the first avatar feature (e.g.,the avatar's ear 1133) moves in response to the eyebrow movement, andthe second avatar feature (e.g., the eyes 1132 of the avatar 1100) doesnot move in response to the eyebrow movement.

In some embodiments, the change in the first physical feature (e.g.,1122) includes at least a vertical displacement of the first physicalfeature of the face (e.g., the user raises or lowers their eyebrows1122), and modifying the first avatar feature (e.g., 1133) based on thechange in the first physical feature includes moving the first avatarfeature in a direction that includes at least one of a verticaldisplacement (e.g., an inferior or superior vertical movement eithertowards (superior) or away from (inferior) the top of the virtualavatar's head (e.g., 1135)) of at least a portion of the first avatarfeature and a horizontal displacement (e.g., a medial or lateralhorizontal movement either towards (medial) or away from (lateral) thetop of the virtual avatar's head) of at least a portion of the firstavatar feature. Modifying the first avatar feature based on the changein the first physical feature by moving the first avatar feature in adirection that includes at least one of a vertical displacement of atleast a portion of the first avatar feature and a horizontaldisplacement of at least a portion of the first avatar feature providesthe user with feedback indicating that further movement of the samephysical feature will cause the device to move the first avatar featurein at least one of a horizontal and vertical direction. Providingimproved visual feedback to the user enhances the operability of thedevice and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., byhelping the user to achieve an intended result by providing feedbackindicative of an input that will cause the device to generate theintended result and reducing user mistakes when operating/interactingwith the device) which, additionally, reduces power usage and improvesbattery life of the device by enabling the user to use the device morequickly and efficiently.

In some examples, when the user raises their eyebrows (e.g., 1122), theeyebrows move in a vertical direction towards the top of the user's head(e.g., in an upward, or superior, direction). In response to this upward(e.g., superior) vertical movement of the user's eyebrows, the ears ofthe virtual avatar (e.g., ears 1133 of bear avatar 1100) move in adirection towards the top of the avatar's head (e.g., 1135). In someexamples, the direction of movement towards the top of the avatar's headincludes a superior (e.g., upward) vertical displacement (e.g., when theears are positioned on a side portion of the avatar's head), a medialhorizontal displacement (e.g., when the ears are positioned on a topportion of the avatar's head), or a combination thereof. In someexamples, when the user lowers their eyebrows (e.g., 1122), the eyebrowsmove in a vertical direction away from the top of the user's head (e.g.,in a downward, or inferior, direction). In response to this downward(e.g., inferior) vertical movement of the user's eyebrows, the ears(e.g., 1133) of the virtual avatar move in a direction away from the topof the avatar's head. In some examples, the direction of movement awayfrom the top of the avatar's head includes an inferior (e.g., downward)vertical displacement (e.g., when the ears are positioned on a sideportion of the avatar's head), a lateral horizontal displacement (e.g.,when the ears are positioned on a top portion of the avatar's head), ora combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the change in the first physical feature (e.g., theuser's mouth 1120) includes at least a displacement (e.g., horizontal orvertical displacement (e.g., translation)) of the first physical featureof the face. For example, the corners 1120A and 1120B of the user'smouth 1120 have a position that is vertically displaced (e.g., in adownward direction towards the bottom of the user's head (e.g., theuser's chin), or in an upward direction towards the top of the user'shead, when compared to the position of the corners of the user's mouthin a neutral, resting position). In such embodiments, modifying thefirst avatar feature (e.g., an ear 1133 of the virtual avatar) of thevirtual avatar (e.g., 1100) based on the change in the first physicalfeature includes rotating (e.g., curling, uncurling, folding, unfolding,etc.) at least a portion of the first avatar feature. Rotating at leasta portion of the first avatar feature, based on the change in the firstphysical feature, provides the user with feedback indicating thatfurther movement of the same physical feature will cause the device tomove the first avatar feature in the rotating direction. Providingimproved visual feedback to the user enhances the operability of thedevice and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., byhelping the user to achieve an intended result by providing feedbackindicative of an input that will cause the device to generate theintended result and reducing user mistakes when operating/interactingwith the device) which, additionally, reduces power usage and improvesbattery life of the device by enabling the user to use the device morequickly and efficiently.

In some examples, a distal end of the first avatar feature (e.g., thetip of the virtual avatar's ear 1133) is rotated in a direction along anaxis extending between the distal end of the first avatar feature and aproximal end of the first avatar feature (e.g., the base of the avatar'sear 1133), wherein the direction of rotation is determined in accordancewith the vertical displacement of the at least a portion of the firstphysical feature of the face. In some examples, when the user raises thecorners of their mouth (e.g., 1120A/1120B) (e.g., in a smilingexpression), the tips of the ears (e.g., 1133) of the virtual avatar(e.g., 1100) move in an unfolding or uncurling manner in a directionextending from the base of the avatar's ear. In some examples, when theuser lowers the corners of their mouth (e.g., in a sad expression), thetips of the ears of the virtual avatar move in a folding or curlingmanner in a direction towards the base of the avatar's ear (e.g., asshown in 1102D and 1112D of FIG. 11B).

In some embodiments, the first avatar feature includes an avatar ear(e.g., 1133), the first physical feature includes at least a cornerregion (e.g., 1120A or 1120B) of a user's mouth (e.g., 1120), the changein the first physical feature includes at least a displacement of the atleast a corner region of the user's mouth, and modifying the firstavatar feature based on the change in the first physical featureincludes rotating at least a portion of the avatar ear based on amagnitude of the displacement of the at least a corner region of theuser's mouth. One example of such an embodiment is illustrated in 1102Aand 1112A and is described in greater detail above with respect to FIG.11B, showing the curling (e.g., rotating) of the avatar's ear iscontrolled by movements of the corner of the user's mouth.

In some embodiments, the second physical feature includes at least aportion of a user's eyebrow (e.g., 1122), the changes in the one or morephysical features of the face includes a vertical shift in the positionof the user's eyebrow, and modifying the first avatar feature (e.g.,1133) based on the change in the second physical feature includesshifting a position of the avatar ear (e.g., 1133) vertically (e.g., aninferior or superior vertical movement either towards (superior) or awayfrom (inferior) the top of the virtual avatar's head). In some examples,the avatar's ears are reactive to both the corner (e.g., 1120A and/or1120B) of the user's mouth (e.g., 1120) and the user's eyebrows (e.g.,1122). In some such embodiments, the corner of the user's mouth controlscurling (e.g., rotation) of the avatar ears while the user's eyebrowscontrol the position (e.g., the vertical position) of the avatar's ears.

In some embodiments, the first avatar feature includes an avatar ear(e.g., 1133), the first physical feature includes at least a portion ofa user's eyebrow (e.g., 1122), the changes in the one or more physicalfeatures of the face includes a vertical shift in the position of theuser's eyebrow, and modifying the first avatar feature of the virtualavatar (e.g., 1100) based on the change in the first physical featureincludes shifting a position of the avatar ear horizontally. In someexamples, the avatar ears shift inward as the user's eyebrow moves up.An example of such an embodiment is illustrated in 1101B and 1111B andis described in greater detail above with respect to FIG. 11A. In someexamples, the avatar ears shift outward as the user's eyebrow moves down(for example, as the user's eyebrows (e.g., 1122) lower from theirraised position, the avatar's ears move from their inward position(e.g., as shown in 1111B) in an outward direction to their neutralposition (e.g., as shown in 1111A)). In some examples, the avatar hastwo ears each reactive to a respective user eyebrow. In suchembodiments, raising both user's eyebrows would result in both earsshifting inward, reducing the spacing between the ears.

In accordance with a determination (1912) that the changes include achange in the second physical feature (e.g., a raising or lowering ofthe corners 1120A and 1120B of the user's mouth 1120), the electronicdevice (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) modifies (1914) the first avatarfeature (e.g., 1133) based on the change in the second physical feature,and forgoes modifying the second avatar feature (e.g. 1132) based on thechange in the second physical feature. Modifying the first avatarfeature based on the change in the second physical feature, and forgoingmodifying the second avatar feature based on the change in the secondphysical feature, provides the user with feedback indicating thatfurther movement of, or changes to, the same physical feature will causethe device to change the first avatar feature without changing thesecond avatar feature. Providing improved visual feedback to the userenhances the operability of the device and makes the user-deviceinterface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user to achieve anintended result by providing feedback indicative of an input that willcause the device to generate the intended result and reducing usermistakes when operating/interacting with the device) which,additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life of thedevice by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some embodiments, when the user moves (e.g., raises or lowers) thecorners (1120A and 1120B) of their mouth (1120), the first avatarfeature (e.g., the avatar's ears 1133) moves in response to the movementof the corners of the mouth, and the second avatar feature (e.g., theeyes 1132 of the avatar 1100) does not move in response to the movementof the corners of the mouth.

In some embodiments, the second avatar feature (e.g., 1132) is reactiveto changes in a third physical feature (e.g., 1123) that is differentfrom the first physical feature and the second physical feature.Displaying a virtual avatar having a second avatar feature reactive tochanges in a third physical feature that is different from the firstphysical feature and the second physical feature provides the user withoptions for controlling modifications to a second portion of the virtualavatar without requiring displayed user interface control (e.g., touchcontrol) elements. Providing additional control options withoutcluttering the user interface with additional controls enhances theoperability of the device making the user-device interface moreefficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide proper inputs andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

For example, the second avatar feature (e.g., avatar eyes 1132) is notprimarily reactive (or, optionally, unreactive) to changes in the firstphysical feature (e.g., user eyebrows 1122) and changes in the secondphysical feature (e.g., the user's mouth 1120). In other words, thesecond avatar feature is not directly modified based on a change in thefacial features (e.g., the first and second physical features 1122 and1120), but may be affected by other changes in the avatar that aredirectly reactive to the changes in the face. For example, the avatarfeature (e.g., 1132) is modeled based on one or more of the location,movement characteristics, size, color, and/or shape of the physicalfeature (1123). In accordance with a determination that the changes inthe one or more physical features of the face include a change in thethird physical feature of the face (e.g., a distinctly identified userfacial feature such as the iris or an eyelid, a single facial muscle(e.g., the orbicularis oculi muscle), or a collection of related facialmuscles (e.g., a set of muscles that control movement of an eyelid,including the orbicularis oculi muscle), the electronic device modifiesthe second avatar feature based on the change in the third physicalfeature. Modifying the second avatar feature based on the change in thethird physical feature provides the user with options for controllingmodifications to portions of the virtual avatar without requiringdisplayed user interface control (e.g., touch control) elements.Providing improved visual feedback to the user enhances the operabilityof the device and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g.,by helping the user to achieve an intended result by providing feedbackindicative of an input that will cause the device to generate theintended result and reducing user mistakes when operating/interactingwith the device) which, additionally, reduces power usage and improvesbattery life of the device by enabling the user to use the device morequickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the first avatar feature (e.g., 1133) isanatomically distinct from at least one of the first physical feature(e.g., 1122) and the second physical feature (e.g., 1120), and thesecond avatar feature (e.g., 1132) anatomically corresponds to the thirdphysical feature (e.g., 1123). In other words, the first avatar featuredoes not anatomically/physiologically correspond to the first physicalfeature (e.g., 1122) or second physical feature (e.g., 1120). In someembodiments, the first avatar feature is ears (e.g., 1133) of ananimal-based virtual avatar (e.g., 1100), the first physical feature isan eyebrow (e.g., 1122), and the second physical feature is a mouth(e.g., 1120). In some examples, the second avatar feature is avatar eyes(e.g., 1132) that anatomically/physiologically correspond to the thirdphysical feature (e.g., the user's eyes 1123). In some embodiments, thefirst avatar feature (e.g., avatar ears 1133) anatomically correspondsto a fourth physical feature (e.g., the user's ears). In someembodiments, despite anatomically corresponding to the fourth physicalfeature (e.g., the user's ears), the first avatar feature (e.g., avatarears 1133) does not react (e.g., is unreactive) to changes in the fourthphysical feature. For example, the first avatar feature can be avatarears (e.g., 1133) that react to changes in the user's mouth (e.g., 1120)and eyebrows (e.g., 1122), but that do not react to movement of theuser's ears.

In some embodiments, modifying the second avatar feature (e.g., 1132)based on the change in the third physical feature (e.g., 1123) includesmodifying the second avatar feature based on a magnitude of the changein the third physical feature. Modifying the second avatar feature basedon a magnitude of the change in the third physical feature provides theuser with feedback indicating that further movement of the same physicalfeature will cause the device to change the second avatar feature in anamount determined by the magnitude of the further movement of the samephysical feature. Providing improved visual feedback to the userenhances the operability of the device and makes the user-deviceinterface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user to achieve anintended result by providing feedback indicative of an input that willcause the device to generate the intended result and reducing usermistakes when operating/interacting with the device) which,additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life of thedevice by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some embodiments, the magnitude of a reaction of an avatar featurecorresponds to a magnitude of a change in a physical feature of theuser. In some embodiments, the magnitude of the change in the physicalfeature is determined in accordance with a potential range of motion ofthe physical feature, wherein the magnitude is representative of arelative position of the physical feature within the range of motion(e.g., the predicted or modeled range of motion) of that physicalfeature. In such embodiments, the magnitude of the reaction of theavatar feature is similarly a relative position of the avatar featurewithin a range of motion of the avatar feature. In some embodiments, themagnitude of change is determined based on a comparison or measurement(e.g., a distance) of the starting position and ending position of thephysical feature, through the change. In such embodiments, the change inthe physical feature (e.g., first physical feature (e.g., 1122)) may betranslated to a modification of the first avatar feature (e.g., 1133) byapplying the measured change in the physical feature to the avatarfeature (e.g., directly or as a scaled or adjusted value).

In some embodiments, modifying the second avatar feature (e.g., 1132) ofthe virtual avatar (e.g., 1100) based on the change in the secondphysical feature (e.g., 1120) includes modifying a pose (e.g., arotational orientation, the angle at which the avatar feature isdisplayed, or a displayed position) of at least a portion of the secondavatar feature based on a direction of a change in pose of the thirdphysical feature (e.g., 1123) (e.g., a direction of rotation, adirection of change in the angle of the physical feature with respect tothe field of view of the one or more cameras, or a direction oftranslation). Modifying a pose of at least a portion of the secondavatar feature based on a direction of a change in pose of the thirdphysical feature provides the user with feedback indicating that furthermovement of the third physical feature in a particular direction willcause the device to change a pose of the second avatar feature based onthe direction of the further movement of the third physical feature.Providing improved visual feedback to the user enhances the operabilityof the device and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g.,by helping the user to achieve an intended result by providing feedbackindicative of an input that will cause the device to generate theintended result and reducing user mistakes when operating/interactingwith the device) which, additionally, reduces power usage and improvesbattery life of the device by enabling the user to use the device morequickly and efficiently.

In some examples, modifications to an avatar feature have both amagnitude component and a directional component. In some examples, thedirectional component of the modification in the avatar feature is basedon a directional component of a change in the one or more physicalfeatures that the avatar feature is reactive to. In some examples, thedirectional component of the change in the avatar feature is the same asthe directional component of the change in the physical feature. Forexample, as shown in 1702D and 1712D of FIG. 17B, when the physicalfeature (e.g., mouth 1720) moves down, the avatar feature (e.g., avatarmouth 1730) moves down. In some examples, the directional component ofthe change in the avatar feature is mirrored with respect to thedirectional component of the change in the physical feature. Forexample, as shown in 1702A/1712A and 1702B/1712B of FIG. 17B, when thephysical feature (e.g., mouth 1420) moves left, the avatar feature(e.g., avatar mouth 1430) moves right, and vice versa. In some examples,such as that shown in FIGS. 11A-11B, 14A-14D and 17B, the directionalcomponent of the change in the avatar feature is the same as thedirectional component of the change in the physical feature for movementalong a vertical axis and mirrored for movement along a horizontal axis,similar to the effect seen when looking in a mirror.

In some examples, a change in relative position of a physical feature(e.g., the user's iris (e.g., 1423A) or eyelid) is in a directiondetermined from a neutral, resting position of the physical feature. Insome examples, the neutral, resting position of a user's iris isdetermined to be a particular position (e.g., centered) relative to theperimeter of the user's eyeball. In some examples, the direction of areaction of an avatar feature corresponds (e.g., directly or inversely)to a relative direction of a change in a physical feature of the user.In some examples, the relative direction of the change in the physicalfeature is determined based on a direction of movement of the physicalfeature from a neutral, resting position of the physical feature. Insome examples, the direction of the reaction of the avatar featurecorresponds directly (e.g., the physical feature moves up, the avatarfeature moves up) to the relative direction of the change in thephysical feature. In some examples, the direction of the reaction of theavatar feature corresponds inversely (e.g., the physical feature movesup, the avatar feature moves down) to the relative direction of thechange in the physical feature.).

In some embodiments, the first avatar feature includes an avatar mouth(e.g., 1430), and the second avatar feature includes at least a portionof avatar teeth (e.g., 1440). For example, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 14C, avatar teeth (e.g., 1440) are displayed as an upper set ofteeth (e.g., 1440A) and a lower set of teeth (e.g., 1440B) within theperimeter of the avatar mouth (e.g., 1430), and movement of the teeth ina vertical direction (e.g., representing opening or closing the avatar'smouth—without moving the avatar's mouth) is indicated by increasing ordecreasing a vertical spacing (e.g., 1441) between upper and lower setsof the avatar teeth as shown in 1413C of FIG. 14C. In some embodiments,the first physical feature includes at least a portion of a user's lip(e.g., 1420A or 1420B), the third physical feature includes at least aportion of a user's mouth (e.g., 1420C and 1420D), the change in thefirst physical feature includes a displacement of the at least a portionof the user's lip from a first position (e.g., 1401A) to a secondposition (e.g., 1403A), and modifying the first avatar feature of thevirtual avatar based on the change in the first physical featureincludes modifying a shape of the avatar mouth (e.g., 1430) based on thesecond position of the at least a portion of the user's lip. Forexample, the avatar mouth (e.g., 1430) does not move in a verticaldirection (e.g., open or close). Instead, changes in the avatar mouth(e.g., 1430) are indicated by changing a shape of the avatar mouth(e.g., to indicate an expression associated with the avatar's mouthshape), wherein the shape change of the avatar mouth is driven bychanges in the user's lips (e.g., 1420A and 1420B).

In some examples, the mouth forms a trapezoid shape (e.g., as shown in1413A or 1413B) to indicate a frown or a smile. For example, thetrapezoid shape corresponds to a smile (e.g., 1413A) when the top edgeof the trapezoid (e.g., 1430U) is longer than the bottom edge of thetrapezoid (e.g., 1430L), and the trapezoid shape corresponds to a frown(e.g., 1413B) when the top edge of the trapezoid is shorter than thebottom edge of the trapezoid. In some examples, the mouth forms acircular shape (e.g., 1430 in 1414D) to indicate a pucker expression orsurprised expression.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 14C, the change in thethird physical feature includes opening or closing the at least aportion of the user's mouth, and modifying the second avatar featurebased on the change in the third physical feature includes modifying avertical spacing (e.g., 1441) between a first portion of the avatarteeth (e.g., the set of upper teeth 1440A) and a second portion of theavatar teeth (e.g., the set of lower teeth 1440B), wherein a magnitudeof the vertical spacing is based on a magnitude of the opening orclosing of the at least a portion of the user's mouth (e.g., 1420C and1420D). In some embodiments, a vertical spacing 1441 between the upperand lower sets of teeth indicates an opening between the avatar's topset of teeth and the avatar's bottom set of teeth without adjusting theshape of the avatar's mouth 1430. In some examples, the spacing betweenthe upper and bottom teeth can be used to simulate a talking action bythe virtual avatar (e.g., when the virtual avatar is a robot 1400).

In some embodiments, the electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600)modifying the first avatar feature (e.g., 1133) of the virtual avatar(e.g., 1100) based on the change in the first physical feature includesmodifying the first avatar feature based on a magnitude of the change inthe first physical feature (e.g., a degree of change in the position ofthe first physical feature (e.g., 1122)), and modifying the first avatarfeature based on the change in the second physical feature (e.g., 1120)includes modifying the first avatar feature based on a magnitude of thechange in the second physical feature. In some embodiments, themagnitude of change is determined based on the starting position andending position of the physical feature (e.g., 1122 or 1120). In someembodiments, the magnitude of change is determined as a percentage ofchange within a maximum range of change.

In some embodiments, modifying the first avatar feature (e.g., 1133) ofthe virtual avatar (e.g., 1100) based on the change in the firstphysical feature (e.g., 1122) includes modifying a pose (e.g., arotational orientation, the angle at which the avatar feature isdisplayed, or a displayed position) of at least a portion of the firstavatar feature based on a direction of a change in pose of the firstphysical feature (e.g., a direction of rotation, a direction of changein the angle of the physical feature with respect to the field of viewof the one or more cameras, or a direction of translation). Modifying apose of at least a portion of the first avatar feature based on adirection of a change in pose of the first physical feature provides theuser with feedback indicating that further movement of the firstphysical feature in a particular direction will cause the device tochange a pose of the first avatar feature based on the direction of thefurther movement of the first physical feature. Providing improvedvisual feedback to the user enhances the operability of the device andmakes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping theuser to achieve an intended result by providing feedback indicative ofan input that will cause the device to generate the intended result andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some embodiments, modifying the first avatar feature (e.g., 1133) ofthe virtual avatar based on the change in the second physical feature(e.g., 1120) includes modifying the pose (e.g., a rotationalorientation, the angle at which the avatar feature is displayed, or adisplayed position) of at least a portion of the first avatar featurebased on a direction of a change in pose of the second physical feature(e.g., a direction of rotation, a direction of change in the angle ofthe physical feature with respect to the field of view of the one ormore cameras, or a direction of translation). Modifying a pose of atleast a portion of the first avatar feature based on a direction of achange in pose of the second physical feature provides the user withfeedback indicating that further movement of the second physical featurein a particular direction will cause the device to change a pose of thefirst avatar feature based on the direction of the further movement ofthe second physical feature. Providing improved visual feedback to theuser enhances the operability of the device and makes the user-deviceinterface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user to achieve anintended result by providing feedback indicative of an input that willcause the device to generate the intended result and reducing usermistakes when operating/interacting with the device) which,additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life of thedevice by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some embodiments, the changes in the one or more physical features ofthe face include a change in the first physical feature (e.g., 1122) ofa first magnitude and a change in the second physical feature (e.g.,1120) of a second magnitude, and modifying the first avatar feature(e.g., 1133) of the virtual avatar (e.g., 1100) includes modifying thefirst avatar feature by a modification magnitude based on both the firstmagnitude and the second magnitude. One example of such an embodiment isillustrated in 1101D and 1111D and is discussed in greater detail abovewith respect to FIG. 11A. In some examples, the modification magnitudeis the sum of the first magnitude and the second magnitude. In someexamples, the modification magnitude is based on a weighted sum of thefirst magnitude and the second magnitude. For example, the magnitude ofthe change in the first physical feature may have a greater effect(e.g., a 1× or 2×) effect on the modification magnitude, as compared tothe second magnitude.

In some embodiments, the first avatar feature includes an avatar eye(e.g., 1432B), the first physical feature includes at least a portion ofa user's eye (e.g., 1423), the second physical feature includes at leasta portion of a user's eyebrow (e.g., 1422), the change in the firstphysical feature includes at least one of a displacement of an irisportion (e.g., 1423A) of the user's eye (e.g., a change in gaze or atranslation of the user's iris (e.g., 1423A) when the user moves theireye to look in a particular direction as shown in 1401B and 1401C ofFIG. 14A) and a change in a size of the at least a portion of the user'seye (e.g., a change in the visible amount of the user's eye (e.g., 1423)as shown in 1402A and 1402B of FIG. 14B) (e.g., a magnitude (e.g., apercentage of a maximum range) of the eye's openness), and the change inthe second physical feature includes at least a vertical displacement ofthe at least a portion of the user's eyebrow (e.g., 1422). In suchembodiments, modifying the first avatar feature based on the change inthe first physical feature includes translating at least a portion ofthe avatar eye (e.g., the avatar eye (e.g., 1432A) looks in a particulardirection as shown in 1411B and 1411C) when the change in the firstphysical feature includes the displacement of the iris portion (e.g.,1423A) of the user's eye (e.g., as shown in 1401B and 1401C).

In some embodiments, modifying the first avatar feature based on thechange in the first physical feature includes adjusting a size of atleast a portion of the avatar eye (e.g., the size of an iris portion(e.g., 1432B) of the avatar eye increases or decreases with changes inthe size (e.g., the openness) of the user's eye (e.g., as shown in1402A, 1402B, 1412A, and 1412B)) when the change in the first physicalfeature includes the change in the size of the at least a portion of theuser's eye (e.g., a magnitude (e.g., a percentage of a maximum range) ofthe eye's openness). In some examples, the avatar is a robot (e.g.,1400) and the robot eye mimics a camera shutter, wherein the iris (e.g.,1432B) of the avatar eye corresponds to the aperture of the camerashutter. In such embodiments, the increase/decrease in the size of theiris portion of the avatar eye is caused by increasing/decreasing theaperture formed in the robot eye in a manner similar to adjusting theaperture in a camera shutter.

In some embodiments, modifying the first avatar feature based on thechange in the second physical feature includes adjusting a degree ofrotation of at least a portion of the avatar eye (e.g., 1431), whereinthe degree of rotation is based on the vertical displacement of the atleast a portion of the user's eyebrow (e.g., 1422). For example, whenthe avatar is a robot (e.g., 1400), the avatar eye includes a line(e.g., a horizontal line (e.g., 1431) when the avatar eye is in aneutral, resting position) that represents an avatar pseudo-eyebrow thatis incorporated into the avatar eye (e.g., 1432). In some examples,rotation of the avatar eye (e.g., 1432) is represented by a rotation inthe position of the line (e.g., 1431), wherein the rotated position ofthe line can be used to indicate an eyebrow position of the robotavatar. In some examples, the degree to which the avatar eyes (and theline) rotate or tilt is determined based on the magnitude of thevertical displacement of the user's eyebrow.

In some embodiments, the first avatar feature includes at least aportion of an avatar nose (e.g., 1736), the first physical featureincludes at least a portion of a user's eyebrow (e.g., 1722), the secondphysical feature includes at least a portion of a user's lip (e.g.,1720A), the change in the first physical feature includes at least avertical displacement of the at least a portion of the user's eyebrow(e.g., shown in 1701B), modifying the first avatar feature of thevirtual avatar based on the change in the first physical featureincludes modifying a position of the avatar nose based on a direction ofthe vertical displacement of the at least a portion of the user'seyebrow (e.g., the user's eyebrow (e.g., 1722) moves in a downwarddirection away from the top of the user's head when the eyebrows form aportion of a sneer pose as shown in 1701B), wherein the position of theavatar nose is modified in a direction that is determined based on(e.g., inversely related to) the direction of vertical displacement ofthe at least a portion of the users' eyebrow. For example, when theeyebrows move in the downward direction, the avatar nose (e.g., 1736) israised in an upward direction towards the top of the avatar's head(e.g., 1735). In some embodiments, the change in the second physicalfeature includes at least one of a horizontal displacement of the atleast a portion of the user's lip (e.g., when moving the user's mouth orlip in a left or right direction (as shown in 1702A and 1702B)) and avertical displacement of the at least a portion of the user's lip (e.g.,when raising the user's lip (e.g., upper lip 1720A) in a sneer pose asshown in 1701B), and modifying the first avatar feature of the virtualavatar based on the change in the second physical feature includesfurther modifying the position of the avatar nose based on at least oneof a direction of the horizontal displacement of the at least a portionof the user's lip and a direction of the vertical displacement of the atleast a portion of the user's lip, wherein the position of the avatarnose is further modified in a direction that corresponds to thedirection of the horizontal displacement of the at least a portion ofthe user's lip. For example, when the user's lip (e.g., upper lip 1720Aand/or lower lip 1720B) is pulled to a side (e.g., left or right asshown in 1702A and 1702B) of a user's face, the user's lip has ahorizontal displacement in a left or right direction, and the avatarnose moves in direction that corresponds to the left/right direction ofthe user's lip (as shown in 1712A and 1712B). In some examples, thismovement of the avatar nose corresponds to the horizontal movement ofthe user's lip by moving in a mirrored direction (e.g., if the user'slip moves to the to the right side of the user's face (from theperspective of the field of view as shown in 1702A), the avatar nosemoves in a direction towards the left side of the avatar's face (asshown in 1712A), and vice-versa) and in a direction that corresponds tothe direction of the vertical displacement of the at least a portion ofthe user's lip (e.g., when the user's lip (e.g., upper lip 1720A) israised in a sneer pose (as shown in 1701B), the lip has a verticaldisplacement in a direction towards the top of the user's head, and theavatar nose also moves in a corresponding direction towards the top ofthe avatar's head 1735 as shown in 1711B.

In some embodiments, the first avatar feature includes an avatar hairfeature (e.g., mane 1552), the first physical feature includes at leasta portion of a user's eyebrow (e.g., 1522), the second physical featureincludes at least a portion of a user's head (e.g., 1528), the change inthe first physical feature includes at least a vertical displacement ofthe at least a portion of the user's eyebrow (e.g., as shown in 1501C),and the change in the second physical feature includes a change in pose(e.g., rotation along the x (e.g., nodding of the head) or y (e.g.,shaking head side-to-side) axes) of the user's head (e.g., 1501D). Inthis embodiment, modifying the first avatar feature of the virtualavatar based on the change in the first physical feature includesdisplacing at least a portion of the avatar hair (e.g., mane) featurebased on a direction of the vertical displacement of the at least aportion of the user's eyebrow. For example, in 1501C the user's eyebrowmoves in an upward direction away from the bottom of the user's head,and, in 1511C, a portion of the avatar mane (e.g., 1552A located at thetop of the avatar's head 1535) moves in an upward direction away fromthe bottom of the avatar's head. In some embodiments, when the user'seyebrow moves in a downward direction towards the bottom of the user'shead, the portion of the avatar mane (e.g., located at the top of theavatar's head) moves in a downward direction towards the bottom of theavatar's head), and modifying the first avatar feature of the virtualavatar based on the change in the second physical feature includesrotating at least a portion of the avatar hair feature (e.g., mane 1552)based on a direction or magnitude of the change in pose of the user'shead (e.g., 1511D).

Note that details of the processes described above with respect tomethod 1900 (e.g., FIG. 19) are also applicable in an analogous mannerto the method 1800 described above and the methods described below. Forexample, method 1900 optionally includes one or more of thecharacteristics of the various methods described below with reference tomethods 800, 900, 1800, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, and 2500. Forexample, the methods of generating, sending, and receiving animatedavatars in accordance with method 800 may employ virtual avatars (e.g.,avatars generated while reacting to changes in position of the user'sface) generated in accordance with method 1900. Similarly, virtualavatars and animated effects generated and/or modified in accordancemethod 1900 may be included in the displayed preview of a virtual avatarin a virtual avatar generation interface (e.g., 804, 904) of method 800or 900. For another example, virtual avatars (e.g., avatars generatedwhile reacting to changes in position of the user's face) generated inaccordance with method 1900 may also be generated in accordance with thevirtual avatar generation and modification methods of methods 800, 900,1800, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, and 2500. For example, a virtualavatar generated in accordance with method 1900 may include a firstavatar portion (e.g., 1535) that reacts differently than a second avatarportion (e.g., 1539) to changes in pose of a user's face, depending onthe type of change in pose (e.g., 1810 and 1812). For brevity, furtherexamples are excluded.

FIG. 20 is a flow diagram illustrating a method, at an electronicdevice, for generating a virtual avatar based on a face detected by oneor more cameras in accordance with some embodiments. Method 2000 isperformed at an electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) with one ormore cameras (e.g., 164, 602) and a display apparatus (e.g., 112, 340,504, 601). Some operations in method 2000 are, optionally, combined, theorders of some operations are, optionally, changed, and some operationsare, optionally, omitted.

As described below, method 2000 provides an intuitive way for generatingvirtual avatars, while reacting to changes in position of the user'sface. The method reduces the cognitive burden on a user for generatingvirtual avatars, thereby creating a more efficient human-machineinterface. For battery-operated computing devices, enabling a user togenerate a desired virtual avatar faster and more efficiently conservespower and increases the time between battery charges. Examples of method2000 may be found in the user interfaces and virtual avatars discussedwith reference to FIGS. 11A-11C, 13, 14A-14D, 15A-15B, 16A-16B, and17A-17B.

The electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) displays (2002), viathe display apparatus (e.g., 112, 340, 504, 601) a virtual avatar (e.g.,1100, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700). In some examples, the virtualavatar includes (2004) a first avatar feature (e.g., an avatar's eyebrow(e.g., 1538), mouth (e.g., 1130, 1330, 1430, 1730), cheek (e.g., 1633),or a non-human equivalent avatar feature such as an inner portion of oneor more camera lenses (e.g., 1431) or antenna (e.g., 1434) of a roboticavatar (e.g., 1400)) reactive to changes in a first physical feature(e.g., the user's mouth (e.g., 1120, 1320, 1420, 1720), eyebrow (e.g.,1422, 1522), or cheek (e.g., 1628)) of a face within the field of viewof the one or more cameras (e.g., 164, 602). Displaying a virtual avatarhaving a first avatar feature reactive to changes in a first physicalfeature of a face in the field of view of one or more cameras providesthe user with options for controlling modifications to a first portionof the virtual avatar without requiring displayed user interface control(e.g., touch control) elements. Providing additional control optionswithout cluttering the user interface with additional controls enhancesthe operability of the device making the user-device interface moreefficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide proper inputs andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

The virtual avatar also includes (2006) a second avatar feature (e.g.,an avatar's ear (e.g., 1133, 1433) or nose (e.g., 1736), or non-humanequivalent avatar features such as whiskers (e.g., 1342), a mane (e.g.,1552), a wattle (e.g., 1650), or an antenna (e.g., 1434) of a roboticavatar (e.g., 1400)) reactive to changes in the first physical feature.Displaying a virtual avatar having a second avatar feature reactive tochanges in the first physical feature of a face in the field of view ofone or more cameras provides the user with options for controllingmodifications to a second portion of the virtual avatar withoutrequiring displayed user interface control (e.g., touch control)elements. Providing additional control options without cluttering theuser interface with additional controls enhances the operability of thedevice making the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helpingthe user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

The virtual avatar also includes (2008) a third avatar feature (e.g., anose (e.g., 1436), eyebrow (e.g., 1138, 1738), eyelid (e.g., 1348),mouth (e.g., 1530) or a non-human equivalent avatar feature such as aninner portion of one or more camera lenses (e.g., 1431) of a roboticavatar (e.g., 1400)) not primarily reactive (e.g., optionally reactive)to changes in the first physical feature. For example, the third avatarfeature is not directly modified based on a change in the facialfeatures (e.g., the first physical feature), but may be affected byother changes in the avatar that are directly reactive to the changes inthe facial features. For example, in some embodiments the third avatarfeature may include whiskers (e.g., 1342) that are not reactive tochanges in a first physical feature such as the user's mouth (e.g.,1320), but move in response to movement of the avatar mouth (e.g.,1330), which is driven by movement of the first physical feature (e.g.,user's mouth 1342). In some embodiments, the avatar feature (e.g.,whiskers 1342) that is unreactive to changes in the first physicalfeature is unreactive to changes in any physical features of the facewithin the field of view of the one or more cameras. In someembodiments, the avatar feature that is unreactive to changes in thefirst physical feature is reactive to changes in a second physicalfeature of the face within the field of view of the one or more camerasthat is different than the first physical feature. For example, in someembodiments, the third avatar feature may include eyelids (e.g., 1348)that are not reactive to changes in a first physical feature such as theuser's mouth (e.g., 1320), but are reactive to changes in a secondphysical feature such as the user's eyelids (e.g., 1327).

In some embodiments, the first avatar feature (e.g., 1130, 1330, 1430,1431, 1538, 1633, 1730) anatomically corresponds to the first physicalfeature (e.g., 1120, 1320, 1420, 1422, 1522, 1628, 1720) (e.g., theavatar feature is modeled based on one or more of the location, movementcharacteristics, size, color, and/or shape of the physical feature), andthe second avatar feature (e.g., 1133, 1342, 1433, 1434, 1552, 1650,1736) does not anatomically correspond (e.g., is anatomically distinctor anatomically corresponds to a physical feature other than the firstphysical feature) to the first physical feature. For example, the secondavatar feature corresponds to eye size and the first physical featurecorresponds to eyebrow position.

While displaying the virtual avatar (e.g., 1100, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600,1700), the electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) detects (2010)changes in the first physical feature (e.g., the user's mouth (e.g.,1120, 1320, 1420, 1720), eyebrow (e.g., 1422, 1522), or cheek (e.g.,1628)).

In response to detecting (2012) the changes in the first physicalfeature (e.g., the user's mouth (e.g., 1120, 1320, 1420, 1720), eyebrow(e.g., 1422, 1522), or cheek (e.g., 1628)), the electronic device (e.g.,100, 300, 500, 600) modifies (2014) the first avatar feature (e.g., anavatar's eyebrow (e.g., 1538), mouth (e.g., 1130, 1330, 1430, 1730),cheek (e.g., 1633), or a non-human equivalent avatar feature such as aninner portion of one or more camera lenses (e.g., 1431) of a roboticavatar (e.g., 1400)) based on the detected changes in the first physicalfeature. The electronic device also modifies (2016) the second avatarfeature (e.g., an avatar's ear (e.g., 1133, 1433) or nose (e.g., 1736),or non-human equivalent avatar features such as whiskers (e.g., 1342), amane (e.g., 1552), a wattle (e.g., 1650), or an antenna (e.g., 1434) ofa robotic avatar (e.g., 1400)) based on the detected changes in thefirst physical feature. Additionally, the electronic device forgoes(2018) modification of the third avatar feature (e.g., a nose (e.g.,1436), eyebrow (e.g., 1138, 1738), eyelid (e.g., 1348), mouth (e.g.,1530) or a non-human equivalent avatar feature such as an inner portionof one or more camera lenses (e.g., 1431) of a robotic avatar (e.g.,1400)) based on the detected changes in the first physical feature.

Modifying the first and second avatar features based on the detectedchanges in the first physical feature, and forgoing modifying the thirdavatar feature based on the changes in the first physical feature,provides the user with feedback indicating that further movement of, orchanges to, the same physical feature will cause the device to changethe first and second avatar features without changing the third avatarfeature. Providing improved visual feedback to the user enhances theoperability of the device and makes the user-device interface moreefficient (e.g., by helping the user to achieve an intended result byproviding feedback indicative of an input that will cause the device togenerate the intended result and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the third avatar feature (e.g., an eyebrow (e.g.,1138, 1738), eyelid (e.g., 1348), or mouth (e.g., 1530)) is reactive tochanges in a second physical feature (e.g., a user eyebrow (e.g., 1122,1722), eyelid (e.g., 1327), or mouth (1520)), and the third avatarfeature anatomically corresponds to the second physical feature.Displaying a virtual avatar having a third avatar feature reactive tochanges in a second physical feature of a face in the field of view ofone or more cameras, and anatomically corresponding to the user's secondphysical feature, provides the user with intuitive options forcontrolling modifications to a third portion of the virtual avatar thatcorresponds to the second physical feature of the user without requiringdisplayed user interface control (e.g., touch control) elements.Providing additional control options without cluttering the userinterface with additional controls enhances the operability of thedevice making the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helpingthe user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In such embodiments, while displaying the virtual avatar, the electronicdevice (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) detects changes in the second physicalfeature (e.g., a user eyebrow (e.g., 1122, 1722), eyelid (e.g., 1327),or mouth (1520)) and, in response to detecting the changes in the secondphysical feature, modifies the third avatar feature (e.g., an eyebrow(e.g., 1138, 1738), eyelid (e.g., 1348), or mouth (e.g., 1530)) based onthe detected changes in the second physical feature. In someembodiments, the first avatar feature (e.g., mouth (e.g., 1130, 1330) isnot primarily reactive (or, optionally, unreactive) to changes in thesecond physical feature. In some embodiments, the second avatar featuredoes not anatomically correspond to either the first physical feature orthe second physical feature. For example, the second avatar feature isan avatar ear (e.g., 1133, 1433) that is reactive to the user's eyebrow(e.g., 1122, 1422) and mouth (e.g., 1120, 1420).

In some embodiments, the second avatar feature (e.g., 1133, 1552, 1736)is reactive to changes in the second physical feature (e.g., 1122, 1520,1722). Displaying a virtual avatar having a second avatar feature thatis reactive to changes in the second physical feature of the user's faceprovides the user with additional options for controlling modificationsto a second portion of the virtual avatar without requiring displayeduser interface control (e.g., touch control) elements. Providingadditional control options without cluttering the user interface withadditional controls enhances the operability of the device making theuser-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user toprovide proper inputs and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

For example, the second avatar feature (e.g., 1133, 1552, 1736) isreactive to changes in the second physical feature (e.g., 1122, 1520,1722), such that the second avatar feature is reactive to changes inboth the first physical feature (e.g., 1120, 1522, 1720) and the secondphysical feature. Accordingly, the second avatar feature may be modifiedindependent of modifications to the first avatar feature, based ondetecting changes in the second physical feature.

In some embodiments, the first avatar feature (e.g., 1730) is reactiveto changes in the second physical feature (e.g., 1722). Displaying avirtual avatar having a first avatar feature that is reactive to changesin the second physical feature of the user's face provides the user withadditional options for controlling modifications to a first portion ofthe virtual avatar without requiring displayed user interface control(e.g., touch control) elements. Providing additional control optionswithout cluttering the user interface with additional controls enhancesthe operability of the device making the user-device interface moreefficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide proper inputs andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently. For example, the first avatar feature is reactive tochanges in the second physical feature, such that the first avatarfeature is reactive to changes in both the first physical feature andthe second physical feature.

In some embodiments, the first physical feature includes at least aportion of a user's lips (e.g., 1420A, 1420B), the second physicalfeature includes at least a portion of a user's eyebrow (e.g., 1422),the first avatar feature includes an avatar mouth (e.g., 1430), and thesecond avatar feature includes an avatar ear (e.g., 1433) positioned ona side portion of an avatar head (e.g., 1435). For example, when theavatar is a robot (e.g., 1400), the avatar ear (e.g., 1433) isrepresented by a rounded, plate-like structure. In such embodiments,movement of the ear (e.g., 1433) is represented by extending thestructure horizontally from the side of the robot head (e.g., 1435). Insome embodiments, movement of the ear (e.g., 1433) is represented bytilting the structure from the side of the robot head (e.g., 1435).

In some embodiments, the changes in the first physical feature include adisplacement of the at least a portion of the user's lips (e.g., 1420A,1420B) from a first position (e.g., shown in 1401A) to a second position(e.g., shown in 1403B). For example, the user's lips move in a downwardcurving direction (e.g., the corners of the user's mouth curve down) toform the mouth portion of the frowning expression. In some embodiments,the changes in the second physical feature include at least a verticaldisplacement of the at least a portion of the user's eyebrow. Forexample, the user's eyebrow (e.g., 1422) moves in a downward directionas shown in 1403B.

In some embodiments, a frown is detected when the user's eyebrows have aposition that is vertically displaced towards the user's nose, whencompared to a neutral, resting position of the eyebrows. In someembodiments, modifying the first avatar feature based on the detectedchanges in the first physical feature includes modifying at least ashape of the avatar mouth (e.g., 1430) based on the second position ofthe at least a portion of the user's lips (e.g., 1420A, 1420B). Forexample, the avatar mouth does not move in a manner that directlymirrors the user's mouth (e.g., moving in a vertical direction, openingand closing, etc.). Instead, in some embodiments, changes in the avatarmouth (e.g., 1430) are indicated by changing a shape of the avatar mouth(e.g., to indicate an expression associated with the mouth shape),wherein the shape change of the avatar mouth is driven by changes in theuser's lips (e.g., 1420A/1420B). In some examples, the mouth forms atrapezoid shape to indicate a frown as shown in 1413B (e.g., thetrapezoid shape corresponds to a frown when the top edge 1430U of thetrapezoid is shorter than the bottom edge 1430L of the trapezoid). Insome embodiments, modifying the second avatar feature based on thedetected changes in the first physical feature includes adjusting adegree of tilt of the avatar ear (e.g., 1433), wherein the degree oftilt is based on at least one of a magnitude and a direction of thedisplacement of the at least a portion of the user's lips from the firstposition to the second position. In some embodiments, the degree towhich the ear (e.g., 1433) tilts is determined based on a magnitude ordirection of the displacement of the user's lips (e.g., 1420A/1420B)from the first position to the second position.

In some embodiments, the changes in the first physical feature (e.g.,1120, 1320, 1420, 1422, 1522, 1628, 1720) include a change of a firstmagnitude, modifying the first avatar feature (e.g., 1130, 1330, 1430,1431, 1538, 1633, 1730) based on the detected changes in the firstphysical feature includes modifying the first avatar feature by a firstmodification magnitude based on the first magnitude, and modifying thesecond avatar feature (e.g., 1133, 1342, 1433, 1434, 1552, 1650, 1736)based on the detected changes in the first physical feature includesmodifying the second avatar feature by a second modification magnitudebased on the first magnitude, the second modification magnitudedifferent than the first modification magnitude. Modifying the firstavatar feature by a first modification magnitude and modifying thesecond avatar feature by a second modification magnitude, themodification magnitudes based on a first magnitude of the detectedchanges in the first physical feature, provides the user with optionsfor controlling different avatar features by different amounts withoutrequiring displayed user interface control (e.g., touch control)elements. Providing additional control options without cluttering theuser interface with additional controls enhances the operability of thedevice making the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helpingthe user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, while the first avatar feature and second avatarfeature are both reactive to changes in the first physical feature, themagnitude (e.g., degree) of the modifications to the avatar features aredifferent. For example, when the change in the physical feature includesa shift in position (e.g., a translational change) of a first magnitude(e.g., a shift in position of one inch) the first avatar feature may bemodified by a first modification magnitude that is equal to the firstmagnitude (e.g., the first avatar feature is also shifted in position byan inch), whereas the second avatar feature may be modified by a secondmodification magnitude that is different that the first modificationmagnitude (e.g., the second avatar feature is shifted by a value otherthan an inch (e.g., greater than, less than)). In some embodiments, thedifferent modification magnitudes are generated by applying differentadjustment factors (e.g., multipliers) to the magnitude of the change inthe first physical feature. In some embodiments, the magnitude of achange may be represented as a percentage of a maximum amount of changeavailable for a given feature.

In some embodiments, the change in the first physical feature (e.g.,1120, 1320, 1420, 1422, 1522, 1628, 1720) is a change of a first type(e.g., rotational change, a size change, a color change, apositional/translational change), and modifying the first avatar feature(e.g., 1130, 1330, 1430, 1431, 1538, 1633, 1730) based on the detectedchanges in the first physical feature includes modifying the firstavatar feature based on a second type of change (e.g., rotationalchange, a size change, a color change, a positional/translationalchange). In some embodiments, the second type of change is the same asthe first type of change. In some embodiments, modifying the secondavatar feature (e.g., 1133, 1342, 1433, 1434, 1552, 1650, 1736) based onthe detected changes in the first physical feature includes modifyingthe second avatar feature based on a third type of change (e.g.,rotational change, a size change, a color change, apositional/translational change), the third type of change beingdifferent than the second type of change. In some embodiments, the thirdtype of change is the same as the first type of change. Modifying thefirst avatar feature based on a second type of change and modifying thesecond avatar feature based on a third type of change different than thesecond type of change provides the user with options for controllingdifferent features of the avatar based on different types of user inputwithout requiring displayed user interface control (e.g., touch control)elements. Providing additional control options without cluttering theuser interface with additional controls enhances the operability of thedevice making the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helpingthe user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, while the first avatar feature and the secondavatar feature are both reactive to changes in the first physicalfeature, the changes in the first physical feature affect (e.g., modify)the first avatar feature and the second avatar feature differently. Forexample, the change in the first physical feature may be a rotationalchange (e.g., a rotation of an eyeball) that causes a rotational changein the first avatar feature (e.g., a rotation of an avatar eyeball) butcauses a translational change in the second avatar feature (e.g., ashift in position of an avatar ear). In some embodiments, the changes inthe first avatar feature and the second avatar feature are the same typeof change (e.g., the same type of change as the change to the physicalfeature).

In some embodiments, the first avatar feature includes an avatar mouth(e.g., 1330), the second avatar feature includes at least a portion ofavatar facial hair (e.g., 1342), the first physical feature includes atleast a portion of a user's mouth (e.g., 1320), and the changes in thefirst physical feature include a displacement of the at least a portionof the user's mouth (e.g., the corners of the user's mouth are displacedin an upward direction (with respect to a position of the corners of theuser's mouth when in a neutral, resting position) when the user's mouthis a smile). In some such embodiments, modifying the first avatarfeature based on the detected changes in the first physical featureincludes modifying a shape of the avatar mouth based on the displacementof the at least a portion of the user's mouth (e.g., the avatar mouth ismodified to a shape that corresponds to a smile when the corners of theuser's mouth are displaced in an upward direction (with respect to aposition of the corners of the user's mouth when in a neutral, restingposition)). Further in some such embodiments, modifying the secondavatar feature based on the detected changes in the first physicalfeature includes modifying, based on a magnitude or direction of thedisplacement of the at least a portion of the user's mouth, at least oneof a location of the at least a portion of avatar facial hair (e.g., thelocation of the avatar facial hair changes based on a change in theposition or shape of the user's mouth), and a spacing of the at least aportion of the avatar facial hair (e.g., the location of the avatarfacial hair changes based on a change in the position or shape of theuser's mouth). In some embodiments, the modification in the location andspacing of the avatar facial hair is accomplished by driving a change(e.g., displacement) in the shape or position of the avatar's mouth andthe surrounding, connected facial structure, which in turn drives achange to the position, location, or spacing of avatar facial hairlocated in a region proximate the avatar mouth.

In some embodiments, the first avatar feature includes an avatar mouth(e.g., 1730), the second avatar feature includes an avatar nose (e.g.,1736), the first physical feature includes at least a portion of auser's mouth (e.g., 1720), and the changes in the first physical featureinclude a displacement of the at least a portion of the user's mouth(e.g., the corners of the user's mouth are displaced in an upwarddirection (with respect to a position of the corners of the user's mouthwhen in a neutral, resting position) when the user's mouth is a smile).In some such embodiments, modifying the first avatar feature based onthe detected changes in the first physical feature includes modifying ashape of the avatar mouth based on the displacement of the at least aportion of the user's mouth (e.g., the avatar mouth is modified to ashape that corresponds to a smile when the corners of the user's mouthare displaced in an upward direction (with respect to a position of thecorners of the user's mouth when in a neutral, resting position)).Further in some such embodiments, modifying the second avatar featurebased on the detected changes in the first physical feature includesmodifying a position of the avatar nose (e.g., the avatar nose movesbased on a displacement of a physical feature other than the user's nose(e.g., the user's mouth 1720)) based on a magnitude or direction of thedisplacement of the at least a portion of the user's mouth. For example,when the user's mouth moves from side-to-side (e.g., left or right) on auser's face, the user's mouth has a horizontal displacement in a left orright direction, and the avatar nose moves in a direction thatcorresponds to the left/right direction of the user's mouth. In someembodiments, this movement of the avatar nose corresponds to ahorizontal movement of the user's mouth by moving in a mirroreddirection (e.g., if the user's mouth moves to the right side of theuser's face, the avatar nose moves in a direction towards the left sideof the avatar's face, and vice-versa). Similarly, when the user's mouthhas a vertical displacement (e.g., in a direction towards the top of theuser's head), the avatar nose also moves in a corresponding direction(e.g., towards the top of the avatar's head).

In some embodiments, the virtual avatar (e.g., 1400) further includes afourth avatar feature (e.g., 1431) reactive to changes in the firstphysical feature (e.g., 1422). In response to detecting the changes inthe first physical feature, the electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500,600) modifies the fourth avatar feature based on the detected changes inthe first physical feature (e.g., a user eyebrow 1422). Displaying avirtual avatar having a fourth avatar feature that is reactive tochanges in the first physical feature of the user's face provides theuser with additional options for controlling modifications to a fourthportion of the virtual avatar without requiring displayed user interfacecontrol (e.g., touch control) elements. Providing additional controloptions without cluttering the user interface with additional controlsenhances the operability of the device making the user-device interfacemore efficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide proper inputs andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some embodiments, the first physical feature includes at least aportion of a user's eyebrow (e.g., 1422), the first avatar featureincludes an avatar antenna feature (e.g., 1434) positioned at a topportion of an avatar head (e.g., 1435) (e.g., an antenna positioned onthe top of the avatar head (e.g., when the avatar is a robot) that movesin a vertical direction in response to movement of a user facial feature(e.g., the user's eyebrow 1422)). In some such embodiments, the secondavatar feature includes an avatar ear (e.g., 1433) positioned on a sideportion of the avatar head (e.g., when the avatar is a robot, the avatarear is represented by a rounded, plate-like structure, wherein movementof the ear is represented by extending the structure horizontally fromthe side of the robot head), and the fourth avatar feature includes anavatar eyebrow (e.g., 1431). For example, when the avatar is a robot(e.g., 1400), the avatar eyebrow is represented by a line (e.g., ahorizontal line 1431 when the avatar eyebrow is in a neutral, restingposition) that is incorporated into the structure of the avatar's eye1432. In some embodiments, movement of the robot eyebrow is representedby rotating the position of the line (which may include rotating theavatar eye) as shown in 1412C, wherein the rotated position of the linecan be used to indicate an eyebrow position of the robot avatar. In someembodiments, the degree to which the line (and the avatar eye) rotatesor tilts is determined based on the magnitude of the verticaldisplacement of the user's eyebrow.

In some embodiments, the changes in the first physical feature include adisplacement of the at least a portion of the user's eyebrow (e.g.,1422) (e.g., a magnitude (e.g., a percentage of a maximum range) of theeyebrow's movement in a vertical direction towards or away from the topof the user's head), and modifying the first avatar feature based on thedetected changes in the first physical feature includes extending theavatar antenna feature (e.g., 1434) from the top portion of the avatarhead (e.g., 1435), wherein an extended position of the avatar antennafeature is based on a magnitude of the displacement of the at least aportion of the user's eyebrow. In some such embodiments, modifying thesecond avatar feature based on the detected changes in the firstphysical feature includes extending the avatar ear (e.g., 1433) from theside portion of the avatar head, wherein an extended position of theavatar ear is based on the magnitude of the displacement of the at leasta portion of the user's eyebrow. In some such embodiments, modifying thefourth avatar feature based on the detected changes in the firstphysical feature includes adjusting a degree of rotation of at least aportion of the avatar eyebrow, wherein the degree of rotation is basedon the magnitude of the displacement of the at least a portion of theuser's eyebrow. For example, when the avatar is a robot (e.g., 1400),the avatar eye rotates or tilts to indicate various facial expressions).In some embodiments, the degree to which the eyes rotate or tilt isdetermined based on the magnitude of the vertical displacement of theuser's eyebrow.

In some embodiments, the first physical feature includes at least aportion of a user's eyelid (e.g., 1327), the first avatar featureincludes an avatar eyelid (e.g., 1348), the second avatar featureincludes an avatar eye (e.g., 1332), and the changes in the firstphysical feature include a displacement of the at least a portion of theuser's eyelid (e.g., a magnitude (e.g., a percentage of a maximum range)of the eyelid's movement in a vertical direction towards or away fromthe top of the user's head). In some embodiments, modifying the firstavatar feature based on the detected changes in the first physicalfeature includes introducing the avatar eyelid (in some embodiments, theavatar eyelid is introduced in a closed position) and moving the avatareyelid towards a closed position, wherein a position of the avatareyelid towards the closed position is based on a magnitude of thedisplacement of the at least a portion of the user's eyelid. In someembodiments, the avatar eyelid is not displayed until the magnitude ofdisplacement of user's eyelid reaches a threshold magnitude (e.g., morethan 50% closed) for introducing the avatar eyelid. In such embodiments,the avatar eyelid may be displayed in a closed position, ortransitioning from an open position towards a closed position, whereinthe instant position of the avatar eyelid, as it transitions to theclosed position, is determined based on the magnitude of displacement ofthe user's eyelid. In some embodiments, modifying the second avatarfeature based on the detected changes in the first physical featureincludes adjusting a size of the avatar eye based on the magnitude ofthe displacement of the at least a portion of the user's eyelid. Forexample, the avatar eye is modified to display a greater amount of theavatar's eye (or to increase the size of the avatar's eye) than wasdisplayed prior to detecting the changes in the first physical feature.

In some embodiments, the first physical feature includes at least aportion of a user's lip (e.g., 1420C), the first avatar feature includesan avatar mouth (e.g., 1430), the second avatar feature includes anavatar nose (e.g., 1436), the changes in the first physical featureinclude a displacement of the at least a portion of the user's lip froma first position to a second position. For example, the first positioncan be a neutral position and the second position can be the resultingposition of the lips when the user adjusts their lips/mouth to aparticular pose. In some embodiments, the change in the user's lipposition corresponds to a change in the pose of the mouth (e.g., from afrown to a smile) and/or a change in displacement of the user'smouth/lips (e.g., shifting the user's lips to one side of their face(e.g., lips are shifted to the right)). In some embodiments, modifyingthe first avatar feature based on the detected changes in the firstphysical feature includes modifying at least one of a shape andhorizontal shift of the avatar mouth based on the second position of theat least a portion of the user's lip. For example, the avatar mouth doesnot move in a manner that directly mirrors the user's mouth (e.g.,moving in a vertical direction, opening and closing, etc.). Instead,changes in the avatar mouth are indicated by shifting the horizontalposition of the avatar mouth (e.g., translating the mouth along anx-axis) and/or changing a shape of the avatar mouth (e.g., to indicatean expression associated with the mouth shape), wherein the shift andshape change of the avatar mouth is driven by changes in the user'slips.

In some embodiments, the mouth forms a trapezoid shape to indicate afrown or a smile (e.g., the trapezoid shape corresponds to a smile whenthe top edge of the trapezoid is longer than the bottom edge of thetrapezoid; and the trapezoid shape corresponds to a frown when the topedge of the trapezoid is shorter than the bottom edge of the trapezoid).In some embodiments, the mouth forms a circular shape to indicate apucker expression or surprised expression. In some embodiments, theavatar mouth shifts from side-to-side as the shape of the user's mouthchanges (e.g., the user shifts their lips from side-to-side), andmodifying the second avatar feature based on the detected changes in thefirst physical feature includes adjusting a degree of rotation of theavatar nose, wherein the degree of rotation is based on at least one ofa magnitude and a direction of the displacement of the at least aportion of the user's lip from the first position to the secondposition. In some embodiments, the degree to which the nose rotates isdetermined based on a magnitude or direction of the displacement of theuser's lip from the first position to the second position.

In some embodiments, the first physical feature includes at least aportion of a user's cheek (e.g., 1628), the first avatar featureincludes an avatar cheek (e.g., 1633), the second avatar featureincludes an avatar feature (e.g., 1650) that extends away from theavatar's face (e.g., 1655) (e.g., an elephant's trunk, a chicken'swattle, a bird's beak). For example, when the avatar is a chicken (e.g.,1600), the avatar includes a wattle (e.g., 1650) that moves based ondetected changes in the user's cheek (e.g., 1628). The changes in thefirst physical feature include a displacement of the at least a portionof the user's cheek from a first position (e.g., 1601A) to an expandedposition (e.g., 1601B), wherein the expanded position is based on amagnitude of the displacement of the at least a portion of the user'scheek from the first position to the expanded position. For example, thefirst position corresponds to a position of the user's cheek when thecheek is in a relaxed state, and the expanded position corresponds to aposition of the user's cheek when the user expands, or puffs, theircheek.

In some embodiments, modifying the first avatar feature based on thedetected changes in the first physical feature includes modifying theavatar cheek from an initial position (e.g., 1611A) to an expandedposition (e.g., 1633 in 1611B). For example, the avatar cheek moves froman initial position to an expanded position (e.g., a puffed-out, orexpanded, pose), wherein the initial position corresponds to a positionof the avatar cheek when the user's cheek is in a relaxed state, and theexpanded position is based on the magnitude of the displacement of theuser's cheek from it's position in the relaxed state to its expandedposition. In some embodiments, the initial position of the virtualavatar is a position that is undistinguished.

In some embodiments, modifying the second avatar feature based on thedetected changes in the first physical feature includes modifying aposition of the avatar feature that extends away from the avatar's facebased on the magnitude of the displacement of the at least a portion ofthe user's cheek from the first position to the expanded position. Insome embodiments, movement of the chicken wattles is based on a physicsmodel (e.g., a model of inertia, a model of gravity, a force transfermodel, a friction model). In some embodiments, the physics modelspecifies a magnitude and direction of movement of an avatar featurebased on a magnitude and direction of movement of the face or a portionof the face (e.g., the avatar cheek) and one or more predefinedproperties of the virtual avatar feature (e.g., the wattle) such as asimulated mass, simulated elasticity, simulated coefficient of frictionor other simulated physical property.

In some embodiments, the first physical feature includes at least aportion of a user's cheek (e.g., 1428), and the first avatar featureincludes an avatar ear (e.g., 1433) positioned on a side portion of anavatar head (e.g., 1435). For example, when the avatar is a robot (e.g.,1400), the avatar ear (e.g., 1433) is represented by a rounded,plate-like structure. In some embodiments, movement of the ear isrepresented by extending the structure horizontally from the side of therobot head. In some embodiments, movement of the ear is represented bytilting the structure from the side of the robot head. In someembodiments, the second avatar feature includes an avatar antennafeature (e.g., 1434) positioned at a top portion of the avatar head(e.g., an antenna positioned on the top of the avatar head (e.g., whenthe avatar is a robot) that moves in a vertical direction in response tomovement of a user facial feature (e.g., the user's cheek)). In somesuch embodiments, the changes in the first physical feature include adisplacement of the at least a portion of the user's cheek from a firstposition (e.g., 1401A) to an expanded position (e.g., 1404C) (e.g., thefirst position corresponds to a position of the user's cheek when thecheek is in a relaxed state, and the expanded position corresponds to aposition of the user's cheek when the user expands, or puffs, theircheek). Further in such embodiments, modifying the first avatar featurebased on the detected changes in the first physical feature includesextending the avatar ear from the side portion of the avatar head,wherein an extended position of the avatar ear is based on a magnitudeof the displacement of the at least a portion of the user's cheek fromthe first position to the expanded position, and modifying the secondavatar feature based on the detected changes in the first physicalfeature includes extending the avatar antenna feature from the topportion of the avatar head, wherein an extended position of the avatarantenna feature is based on the magnitude of the displacement of the atleast a portion of the user's cheek from the first position to theexpanded position.

Note that details of the processes described above with respect tomethod 2000 (e.g., FIG. 20) are also applicable in an analogous mannerto the methods 1800 and 1900 described above and the methods describedbelow. For example, method 2000 optionally includes one or more of thecharacteristics of the various methods described below with reference tomethods 800, 900, 1800, 1900, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, and 2500. Forexample, the methods of generating, sending, and receiving animatedavatars in accordance with method 800 may employ virtual avatars (e.g.,avatars generated while reacting to changes in position of the user'sface) generated in accordance with method 2000. Similarly, virtualavatars and animated effects generated and/or modified in accordancemethod 2000 may be included in the displayed preview of a virtual avatarin a virtual avatar generation interface (e.g., 804, 904) of method 800or 900. For another example, virtual avatars (e.g., avatars generatedwhile reacting to changes in position of the user's face) generated inaccordance with method 2000 may also be generated in accordance with thevirtual avatar generation and modification methods of methods 800, 900,1800, 1900, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, and 2500. For example, a virtualavatar generated in accordance with method 2000 may include a firstavatar portion (e.g., 1535) that reacts differently than a second avatarportion (e.g., 1539) to changes in pose of a user's face, depending onthe type of change in pose (e.g., 1810 and 1812). For brevity, furtherexamples are excluded.

FIG. 21 is a flow diagram illustrating a method, at an electronicdevice, for generating a virtual avatar based on a face detected by oneor more cameras in accordance with some embodiments. Method 2100 isperformed at an electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) with one ormore cameras (e.g., 164, 602) and a display apparatus (e.g., 112, 340,504, 601). Some operations in method 2100 are, optionally, combined, theorders of some operations are, optionally, changed, and some operationsare, optionally, omitted.

As described below, method 2100 provides an intuitive way for generatingvirtual avatars that can exhibit different behavior across ranges ofchanges of physical features. The method reduces the physical andcognitive burden on a user for generating virtual avatars, therebycreating a more efficient human-machine interface. For battery-operatedcomputing devices, enabling a user to generate a desired virtual avatarfaster and more efficiently conserves power and increases the timebetween battery charges. Examples of method 2100 may be found in theuser interfaces and virtual avatars discussed with reference to FIGS.12A-12C.

The electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) displays (2102), viathe display apparatus (e.g., 112, 340, 504, 601) a virtual avatar (e.g.,1200) that includes a first avatar feature (e.g., 1230) reactive tochanges in a first physical feature (e.g., 1220) of a face within thefield of view of the one or more cameras (2104). For example, the firstavatar feature is consistently reactive, reactive according to asingular function (e.g., a linear function) across a range of possiblemotion of the detected physical feature. Displaying a virtual avatarhaving a first avatar feature reactive to changes in a first physicalfeature of a face in the field of view of one or more cameras providesthe user with options for controlling modifications to a first portionof the virtual avatar without requiring displayed user interface control(e.g., touch control) elements. Providing additional control optionswithout cluttering the user interface with additional controls enhancesthe operability of the device making the user-device interface moreefficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide proper inputs andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

The virtual avatar also includes a second avatar feature (e.g., 1232)that is reactive in different manners to changes in a second physicalfeature (e.g., 1223) of the face dependent on whether the changes in thesecond physical feature of the face occur in a first range of changes ofthe second physical feature or in a second range of changes of thesecond physical feature, different from the first range of changes ofthe second physical feature (2106). For example, the second avatarfeature is inconsistently reactive, reactive according to multiplefunctions across a range of possible motion of the detected physicalfeature, including being non-reactive for certain portions of the rangeof possible motion of the detected physical feature. Displaying avirtual avatar having a second avatar feature reactive in differentmanners to changes in a second physical feature of the face dependent onwhether the changes in the second physical feature of the face occur ina first range of changes of the second physical feature or in a secondrange of changes of the second physical feature different from the firstrange of changes of the second physical features, provides the user withranges of options for controlling different modifications to a secondportion of the virtual avatar without requiring displayed user interfacecontrol (e.g., touch control) elements. Providing additional controloptions without cluttering the user interface with additional controlsenhances the operability of the device making the user-device interfacemore efficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide proper inputs andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

While displaying the virtual avatar (e.g., 1200), the electronic device(e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) detects a first change in a respectivephysical feature (e.g., 1220, 1223) of the face within the field of viewof the one or more cameras (2108). In some examples, changes in aphysical feature are tracked as a physical feature value (e.g., amagnitude value) within a range of potential change for a feature, withthe range being determined based on empirical calibration or based onpredictive modeling based on various characteristics of the user's faceand/or historical data. For example, a change may be assessed as havinga magnitude of 2 within a possible magnitude range of 0-10.

In response to detecting the first change in the respective physicalfeature, the electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) modifies thevirtual avatar (2110), including performing one or more of the followingoperations. In accordance with a determination that the detected firstchange in the respective physical feature is a change in the firstphysical feature (e.g., 1220), the electronic device (e.g., 100, 300,500, 600) modifies (2112) the first avatar feature (e.g., 1230) toreflect the change in the first physical feature. In some examples, themanner of change of the first physical feature is not dependent on therange of changes of the first physical feature. Modifying the firstavatar feature to reflect the change in the first physical featureprovides the user with feedback indicating that further movement of thesame physical feature will cause the device to change the first avatarfeature based on the further movement. Providing improved visualfeedback to the user enhances the operability of the device and makesthe user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user toachieve an intended result by providing feedback indicative of an inputthat will cause the device to generate the intended result and reducinguser mistakes when operating/interacting with the device) which,additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life of thedevice by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In accordance with a determination that the detected first change is achange in the second physical feature (e.g., 1223) and the change in thesecond physical feature is within the first range of changes (e.g., inaccordance with the second physical feature value of the second physicalfeature meeting or exceeding a modification threshold) (e.g., having amagnitude of 5 or greater in a possible magnitude range of 0-10), theelectronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) changes (2114) theappearance of the second avatar feature (e.g., 1232) in a first mannerto reflect the change in the second physical feature. Changing theappearance of the second avatar feature in a first manner to reflect thechange in the second physical feature, when the first change is a changein the second physical feature and the change in the second physicalfeature is within the first range of changes, provides the user withfeedback indicating that further movement of the same physical feature,in the same range of movement, will cause the device to change thesecond avatar feature in the same manner. Providing improved visualfeedback to the user enhances the operability of the device and makesthe user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user toachieve an intended result by providing feedback indicative of an inputthat will cause the device to generate the intended result and reducinguser mistakes when operating/interacting with the device) which,additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life of thedevice by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some examples, the avatar feature has a possible range of motionhaving a possible range of 0-10 and the user physical feature also has arange of possible motion of 0-10, with a modification threshold of 5. Insome examples, changes in the physical feature that result in an endphysical feature value that meets or exceeds the threshold result inexaggerated motion across the full range of possible motion of theavatar feature: a change in the physical feature from 5 to 6 wouldresult in avatar feature being modified from a value of 0 to 2, whereasa change of the physical feature from 6 to 7 would result in the avatarfeature being modified from 2 to 4. In this way, changes in the physicalfeature, once the modification threshold is met or exceeded, can controlthe full range of motion of the avatar feature. In some examples, theexaggeration is modeled according to a non-linear function such that achange in the physical feature from 5 to 6 would cause the avatarfeature to transition from 0 to 8, in the possible range of 0-10, withchanges in the physical feature from 6 to 10 causing less dramaticchanges in the avatar feature (e.g., changes from 8-10). In this way,the changes in the user's physical feature can cause extremelyexaggerated initial changes in the avatar feature, once the modificationthreshold is met. In some examples, changes in the physical feature thatoccur, at least in part, within a first sub-portion (e.g., a laterportion, such as 6-10 of a range of 0-10) of the range of possiblemotion of the physical feature result in modification of thecorresponding avatar feature. In such examples, the first sub-portion isthe portion of the range that meets or exceeds the modificationthreshold.

In accordance with a determination that the detected first change is achange in the second physical feature (e.g., 1223) and the change in thesecond physical feature is within the second range of changes (2116)(e.g., the first physical feature value and the second physical featurevalue not meeting or exceeding a modification threshold), the electronicdevice (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) forgoes changing the appearance of thesecond avatar feature in the first manner to reflect the change in thesecond physical feature. In some examples, changes in the physicalfeature that occur entirely within a second sub-portion (e.g., aninitial portion, such as 0-5 of a range of 0-10) of the range ofpossible motion of the physical feature do not result in modification ofthe corresponding avatar feature. In such embodiments, the secondsub-portion is the portion of the range that does not meet or exceed themodification threshold.

In some examples, further in response to detecting the first change inthe respective physical feature and in accordance with the determinationthat the detected first change is a change in the second physicalfeature (e.g., 1223) and the change in the second physical feature iswithin the second range of changes, the electronic device (e.g., 100,300, 500, 600) changes the appearance of the second avatar feature(e.g., 1232) in a second manner to reflect the change in the secondphysical feature. In some examples, the second range of changesrepresents a subset in a range of possible motion of the second physicalfeature. In some examples, the subset corresponds to the upper limits(e.g., a range of 8-10 out of a possible range of 0-10, with 0 being nomotion and 10 being the greatest possible motion) of the range ofmotion. In some examples, the second manner of changing the appearanceof the second avatar feature includes an exaggerated effect applied tothe second avatar feature. In some examples, this exaggerated effectincludes spikes or protrusions extending from the second avatar feature.Changing the appearance of the second avatar feature in a second mannerto reflect the change in the second physical feature, when the firstchange is a change in the second physical feature and the change in thesecond physical feature is within the second range of changes, providesthe user with feedback indicating that further movement of the samephysical feature, in the same range of movement, will cause the deviceto change the second avatar feature in the same manner that is differentfrom the manner of change effected when the change in the secondphysical feature is within the first range of changes. Providingimproved visual feedback to the user enhances the operability of thedevice and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., byhelping the user to achieve an intended result by providing feedbackindicative of an input that will cause the device to generate theintended result and reducing user mistakes when operating/interactingwith the device) which, additionally, reduces power usage and improvesbattery life of the device by enabling the user to use the device morequickly and efficiently.

In some examples, the first manner of changing the appearance of thesecond avatar feature (e.g., 1232) is different from the second mannerof changing the appearance of the second avatar feature. In someexamples, the first manner of changing the appearance of the secondavatar feature includes a movement or modification of the second avatarfeature that corresponds to a movement of the second physical feature,whereas the second manner of changing the appearance of the secondavatar feature includes an exaggerated effect applied to the secondavatar feature. In some examples, this exaggerated effect includesspikes or protrusions extending from the second avatar feature.

In some examples, the virtual avatar that is displayed while the firstchange in the respective physical feature is detected is based on afirst virtual avatar template (e.g., an avatar template corresponding toalien avatar 1200). In such examples, the electronic device, aftermodifying the virtual avatar based on the first virtual avatar templatein response to detecting the first change in the respective physicalfeature and while displaying a virtual avatar that is based on a secondvirtual avatar template (e.g., an avatar template corresponding to bearavatar template 1100) that is different from the first virtual avatartemplate, detects a second change in the second physical feature (e.g.,1223). Further in such examples, in response to detecting the secondchange in the second physical feature, the electronic device (e.g., 100,300, 500, 600) modifies the second avatar feature (e.g., eyes 1132,1232) to reflect the second change in the second physical feature,wherein the appearance of the second avatar feature is changed in a samemanner without regard to whether the change in the second physicalfeature is within the first range of changes or within the second rangeof changes. Modifying the second avatar feature to reflect the secondchange in the second physical feature such that the appearance of thesecond avatar feature is changed in a same manner without regard towhether the change in the second physical feature is within the firstrange of changes or the second range of changes, provides the user withfeedback indicating that further movement of the same physical featurewill cause the device to change the second avatar feature in a mannerthat is independent of the range of changes. Providing improved visualfeedback to the user enhances the operability of the device and makesthe user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user toachieve an intended result by providing feedback indicative of an inputthat will cause the device to generate the intended result and reducinguser mistakes when operating/interacting with the device) which,additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life of thedevice by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently. In some examples, for a different virtual avatar template,changes in the second physical feature cause a smooth variation in thesecond avatar feature rather than causing different changes in thesecond avatar feature depending on whether the change in the secondphysical feature is within the first range of changes or within thesecond range of changes.

In some examples, further in response to detecting the first change inthe respective physical feature and in accordance with the determinationthat the detected first change is a change in the second physicalfeature (e.g., 1223) and the change in the second physical feature iswithin the first range of changes, the electronic device (e.g., 100,300, 500, 600) foregoes changing the appearance of the second avatarfeature (e.g., 1232) in the second manner to reflect the change in thesecond physical feature.

In some examples, the second physical feature includes a user's eyelid(e.g., a part of 1223), the second avatar feature includes an avatar eye(e.g., 1232), and changing the appearance of the second avatar featurein the second manner based on the change in the second physical featurebeing within the second range of changes (e.g., changes above apredetermined threshold value within the range of changes (e.g., theuser's eyelid is closed by 50% or greater within the range of changespossible for the user's eyelid)) includes decreasing a size of theavatar eye. For example, when the virtual avatar is an alien (e.g.,1200), and the user's eyelid is closed by 50% or greater, the size ofthe alien's eye 1232 begins to decrease to appear as if the alien's eyeis moving towards a closed position. In some examples, when the user'seyelid is completely closed (e.g., closed by 100%), the avatar's eye isrepresented by a shape (e.g., a line) that indicates the avatar eye iscompletely closed. In some embodiments, changing the appearance of thesecond avatar feature in the first manner based on the change in thesecond physical feature being within the first range of changes (e.g.,the user's eyelid is closed by less than 50% of the range of changespossible for the user's eyelid) does not include decreasing the size ofthe avatar eye. In some examples, the threshold magnitude is 50% of therange of possible motion of the second physical feature (e.g., theuser's eyelids). In such examples, the first range of changes correspondto 0% to less than 50% and the second range of changes correspond to 50%to 100%. In such embodiments, the corresponding modification of thesecond avatar feature (e.g., the virtual avatar's eye) only occurs whenthe change in the second physical feature meets or exceeds 50% of thepossible range of motion of the second physical feature. For example,when the user's eyelids move beyond the threshold magnitude (e.g., morethan 50% closed), the eyes of the virtual avatar begin to move towards aclosed position (e.g., by reducing in size) to reflect the instantposition of the user's eyelids.

In some examples, the second physical feature includes a user's cheek(e.g., 1228), the second avatar feature includes an avatar cheek (e.g.,1256), changing the appearance of the second avatar feature in thesecond manner based on the change in the second physical feature beingwithin the second range of changes (e.g., changes above a predeterminedthreshold value within the range of changes (e.g., the user's cheek ispuffed or expanded by 70% or greater within the range of changespossible for the user's cheek)) includes introducing an exaggeratedavatar effect at the avatar cheek (e.g., protrusions or spikes 1258extending from the virtual avatar when the user exhibits an extremecheek puff), and changing the appearance of the second avatar feature inthe first manner based on the change in the second physical featurebeing within the first range of changes (e.g. the user's cheek is puffedor expanded by less than 70% of the range of changes possible for theuser's cheek) includes modifying the avatar cheek based on a magnitudeof change in the user's cheek. In some examples, modifying the avatarcheek based on a magnitude of change in the user's cheek occurs withoutintroducing the exaggerated avatar effect. In some examples, thethreshold magnitude is 70% of the range of possible motion of the secondphysical feature (e.g., the user's cheek). In such examples, the firstrange of changes correspond to 0% to less than 70% and the second rangeof changes correspond to 70% to 100%. In such examples, the introductionof the exaggerated avatar effect (e.g., the spikes or protrusions) atthe second avatar feature (e.g., the virtual avatar's cheek) only occurswhen the change in the second physical feature meets or exceeds apredefined threshold such as 70% of the possible range of motion of thesecond physical feature (e.g., when the user's cheek moves beyond thethreshold magnitude (e.g., puffed by 70% or more)). Further in suchexamples, the virtual avatar feature (e.g., the virtual avatar's cheek)is modified based on the magnitude of the change in the second physicalfeature when the change in the second physical feature is less than 70%of the possible range of motion of the second physical feature (e.g.,when the user's cheek moves less than the threshold magnitude (e.g.,puffed by less than 70%)).

In some examples, the second physical feature includes a user's eyebrow(e.g., 1222), the second avatar feature includes an upper portion of theavatar's head, changing the appearance of the second avatar feature inthe second manner based on the change in the second physical featurebeing within the second range of changes (e.g., changes above apredetermined threshold value within the range of changes (e.g., theuser's eyebrow is raised 70% or greater within the range of changespossible for the user's eyebrow)) includes introducing an exaggeratedavatar effect at the upper portion of the avatar's head (e.g.,protrusions or spikes 1254 extending from the virtual avatar when theuser exhibits an extreme eyebrow raise), and changing the appearance ofthe second avatar feature in the first manner based on the change in thesecond physical feature being within the first range of changes (e.g.the user's eyebrow is raised by less than 70% of the range of changespossible for the user's eyebrow) does not include introducing theexaggerated avatar effect at the upper portion of the avatar's head. Insome examples, the threshold magnitude is 70% of the range of possiblemotion of the second physical feature (e.g., the user's eyebrow). Insuch examples, the first range of changes correspond to 0% to less than70% and the second range of changes correspond to 70% to 100%. In suchembodiments, the introduction of the exaggerated avatar effect (e.g.,the spikes or protrusions) at the second avatar feature (e.g., thevirtual avatar's head) only occurs when the change in the secondphysical feature meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold such as 70%of the possible range of motion of the second physical feature (e.g.,when the user's eyebrow moves beyond the threshold magnitude (e.g.,raised by 70% or more)). Further in such examples, the exaggeratedavatar effect is not introduced at the virtual avatar feature (e.g., thevirtual avatar's head) when the change in the second physical feature isless than 70% of the possible range of motion of the second physicalfeature (e.g., when the user's eyebrow moves less than the thresholdmagnitude (e.g., raised by less than 70%)).

In some examples, modifying the first avatar feature of the virtualavatar to reflect the change in the first physical feature (e.g., 1220)includes modifying the first avatar feature based on a magnitude of thechange in the first physical feature (e.g., a degree of change in theposition of the first physical feature). Modifying the first avatarfeature based on a magnitude of the change in the first physical featureprovides the user with feedback indicating that further movement of thesame physical feature will cause the device to modify the first avatarfeature based on the magnitude of movement of the same physical feature.In some examples, the magnitude of change is determined based on thestarting position and ending position of the physical feature. In someexamples, the magnitude of change is determined as a percentage ofchange within a maximum range of change. Further, changing theappearance of the second avatar feature (e.g., 1232) in the first mannerto reflect the change in the second physical feature includes modifyingthe second avatar feature based on a first magnitude of the change inthe second physical feature (e.g., 1223) (e.g., a degree of change inthe position of the second physical feature). In some examples, for agreater magnitude of movement of the second physical feature there is agreater amount of modification of the second avatar feature in the firstmanner and for a smaller magnitude of movement of the second physicalfeature there is a smaller amount of modification of the second avatarfeature in the first manner, or vice versa. In some examples, themagnitude of a reaction of an avatar feature corresponds to a magnitudeof a change in a physical feature of the user. In some examples, themagnitude of the change in the physical feature is determined inaccordance with a potential range of motion of the physical feature,wherein the magnitude is representative of a relative position of thephysical feature within the range of motion (e.g., the predicted ormodeled range of motion) of that physical feature. In such embodiments,the magnitude of the reaction of the avatar feature is similarly arelative position of the avatar feature within a range of motion of theavatar feature. In some examples, the magnitude of change is determinedbased on a comparison or measurement (e.g., a distance) of the startingposition and ending position of the physical feature, through thechange. In such examples, the change in the physical feature (e.g.,first physical feature) may be translated to a modification of the firstavatar feature by applying the measured change in the physical featureto the avatar feature (e.g., directly or as a scaled or adjusted value).Further in such examples, changing the appearance of the second avatarfeature in the second manner to reflect the change in the secondphysical feature includes modifying the second avatar feature based on asecond magnitude of the change in the second physical feature. Forexample, for a greater magnitude of movement of the second physicalfeature there is a greater amount of modification of the second avatarfeature in the second manner and for a smaller magnitude of movement ofthe second physical feature there is a smaller amount of modification ofthe second avatar feature in the second manner, or vice versa. In someexamples, the first magnitude of the change in the second physicalfeature is less than the second magnitude of the change in the secondphysical feature. In some examples, the first magnitude of the change inthe second physical feature is greater than the second magnitude of thechange in the second physical feature.

In some examples, modifying the first avatar feature (e.g., 1230) of thevirtual avatar to reflect the change in the first physical feature(e.g., 1220) includes modifying a pose (e.g., a rotational orientation,the angle at which the avatar feature is displayed, or a displayedposition) of at least a portion of the first avatar feature based on adirection of a change in pose of the first physical feature (e.g., adirection of rotation, a direction of change in the angle of the firstphysical feature with respect to the field of view of the one or morecameras, or a direction of translation). Further in such examples,changing the appearance of the second avatar feature in the first mannerto reflect the change in the second physical feature includes modifyinga pose (e.g., a rotational orientation, the angle at which the avatarfeature is displayed, or a displayed position) of at least a portion ofthe second avatar feature based on a direction of a change in pose ofthe second physical feature (e.g., a direction of rotation, a directionof change in the angle of the second physical feature with respect tothe field of view of the one or more cameras, or a direction oftranslation). Further in such examples, changing the appearance of thesecond avatar feature in the second manner to reflect the change in thesecond physical feature includes modifying the pose of at least aportion of the second avatar feature based on the direction of thechange in pose of the second physical feature.

In some examples, modifications to an avatar feature have both amagnitude component and a directional component. In some examples, thedirectional component of the modification in the avatar feature is basedon a directional component of a change in the one or more physicalfeatures that the avatar feature is reactive to. In some examples, thedirectional component of the change in the avatar feature is the same asthe directional component of the change in the physical feature. Forexample, when the physical feature (e.g., eyebrow) moves up, the avatarfeature (e.g., avatar eyebrow) moves up. In some examples, thedirectional component of the change in the avatar feature is mirroredwith respect to the directional component of the change in the physicalfeature. For example, when the physical feature (e.g., mouth) movesleft, the avatar feature (e.g., avatar mouth) moves right. In someexamples, the directional component of the change in the avatar featureis the same as the directional component of the change in the physicalfeature for movement along a vertical axis and mirrored for movementalong a horizontal axis, similar to the effect seen when looking in amirror. In some examples, a change in relative position of a physicalfeature (e.g., the user's iris or eyelid) is in a direction determinedfrom a neutral, resting position of the physical feature. In someexamples, the neutral, resting position of a user's iris is determinedto be a particular position (e.g., centered) relative to the perimeterof the user's eyeball. In some examples, the direction of a reaction ofan avatar feature corresponds (e.g., directly or inversely) to arelative direction of a change in a physical feature of the user. Insome examples, the relative direction of the change in the physicalfeature is determined based on a direction of movement of the physicalfeature from a neutral, resting position of the physical feature. Insome examples, the direction of the reaction of the avatar featurecorresponds directly (e.g., the physical feature moves up, the avatarfeature moves up) to the relative direction of the change in thephysical feature. In some examples, the direction of the reaction of theavatar feature corresponds inversely (e.g., the physical feature movesup, the avatar feature moves down) to the relative direction of thechange in the physical feature.

In some examples, the first range of changes of the second physicalfeature (e.g., 1223) and the second range of changes of the secondphysical feature are adjacent ranges in a potential range of changes ofthe second physical feature (e.g., the full range of predicted,pre-mapped, or detectable range of changes for the second physicalfeature), the first change in the respective physical feature includes achange in the second physical feature that includes a transition from afirst portion of change within the first range of changes to a secondportion of change within the second range of changes, and an appearanceof the second avatar feature (e.g., 1232) as it is reflecting the changein the second physical feature at the end of the first portion of thechange is substantially similar to an appearance of the second avatarfeature as it is reflecting the change in the second physical feature atthe beginning of the second portion of change.

In some examples, the electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600), inaccordance with a determination that the detected first change is achange in the second physical feature (e.g., 1223) and the change in thesecond physical feature is a change from the first range of changes tothe second range of changes (e.g., a change of the second physicalfeature from above the modification threshold to below the modificationthreshold), modifies the second avatar feature (e.g., 1232) based on apredetermined configuration of the second avatar feature. In someexamples, the change in the second physical feature (e.g., the user'seyelid) from above the modification threshold to below the modificationthreshold results in modifying the second avatar feature (e.g., theavatar's eyelids) to a predetermined configuration without transitioningthe second avatar feature though intermediate positions of the secondavatar feature corresponding to the second physical feature. Forexample, when the user's eyelid transitions from a position above themodification threshold to a position below the modification threshold(e.g., from a closed position to a slightly opened position), theavatar's eyelid transitions from a closed position to a fully openedposition without traversing through intermediate positions (e.g.,partially closed or partially opened positions) of the virtual eyelid,even though the user's eyelid traverses the intermediate positions as ittransitions to a fully opened position.

In some examples, the first range of changes of the second physicalfeature (e.g., 1223) and the second range of changes of the secondphysical feature are adjacent ranges in a possible range of changes ofthe second physical feature, the first change in the respective physicalfeature includes a change in the second physical feature that includes atransition from a first portion of change within the second range ofchanges to a second portion of change within the first range of changes,and an appearance of the second avatar feature (e.g., 1232) changes froma configuration of the second avatar feature that is based on amagnitude of a change in the second physical feature to a predeterminedconfiguration of the second avatar feature (e.g., a configuration of thesecond avatar feature that is not based on a magnitude of the change inthe second physical feature) when the change in the second physicalfeature transitions from the first portion of the change within thesecond range of changes to the second portion of the change within thefirst range of changes. In some examples, the change in the secondphysical feature (e.g., the user's eyelid) from the first portion ofchange within the second range of changes (e.g., from a closed position)to the second portion of change within the first range of changes (e.g.,to a slightly opened position) results in modifying the second avatarfeature (e.g., the avatar's eyelids) to a predetermined configurationwithout transitioning the second avatar feature though intermediatepositions of the second avatar feature corresponding to the secondphysical feature. For example, when the user's eyelid transitions from aclosed position to a slightly opened position, the avatar's eyelidtransitions from a closed position to a fully opened position withouttraversing through intermediate positions (e.g., partially closed orpartially opened positions) of the virtual eyelid, even though theuser's eyelid traverses the intermediate positions as it transitions toa fully opened position.

Note that details of the processes described above with respect tomethod 2100 (e.g., FIG. 21) are also applicable in an analogous mannerto the methods described above and to methods 2200, 2300, 2400, and2500, described below. For example, method 2100 optionally includes oneor more of the characteristics of the various methods described belowand above with reference to methods 800, 900, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2200,2300, 2400, and 2500. For example, the methods of generating, sending,and receiving animated avatars in accordance with method 800 and 900 mayemploy virtual avatars (e.g., virtual avatars that can exhibit differentbehavior across ranges of changes of physical features) generated inaccordance with method 2100. Similarly, virtual avatars generated and/ormodified in accordance method 2100 may be included in the displayedpreview of a virtual avatar in a virtual avatar generation interface(e.g., 804, 904) of method 800 or 900. For another example, virtualavatars (e.g., virtual avatars that can exhibit different behavioracross ranges of changes of physical features) generated in accordancewith method 2100 may also be generated in accordance with the virtualavatar generation and modification methods of methods 800, 900, 1800,1900, 2000, 2200, 2300, 2400, and 2500. For example, a virtual avatargenerated in accordance with method 2100 may include a first avatarportion (e.g., 1034) that reacts differently than a second avatarportion (e.g., 1036) to changes in pose of a user's face differently,depending on the type of change in pose (e.g., 1810 and 1812).Similarly, a virtual avatar generated in accordance with method 2100 mayinclude an avatar feature (e.g., 1133) that reacts (e.g., 1904, 1910,1914) to changes in both first (e.g., 1122) and second (e.g., 1120A-B)physical features. For brevity, further examples are excluded.

FIG. 22 is a flow diagram illustrating a method, at an electronicdevice, for generating a virtual avatar based on a face detected by oneor more cameras in accordance with some embodiments. Method 2200 isperformed at an electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) with one ormore cameras (e.g., 164, 602) and a display apparatus (e.g., 112, 340,504, 601). Some operations in method 2200 are, optionally, combined, theorders of some operations are, optionally, changed, and some operationsare, optionally, omitted.

As described below, method 2200 provides an intuitive way for generatingvirtual avatars that can exhibit increased complexity (e.g., havingincreased avatar features) as required. The method reduces the physicaland cognitive burden on a user for generating virtual avatars, therebycreating a more efficient human-machine interface. For battery-operatedcomputing devices, enabling a user to generate a desired virtual avatarfaster and more efficiently conserves power and increases the timebetween battery charges. Examples of method 2200 may be found in theuser interfaces and virtual avatars discussed with reference to FIGS.10A-10I, 11A-11C, 12A-12C, 13, 15A-15B, 16A-16B, and 17A-17B.

The electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) displays (2202), viathe display apparatus (e.g., 112, 340, 504, 601) a virtual avatar (e.g.,1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1500, 1600, 1700), the virtual avatar includes aplurality of avatar features (e.g., 1032, 1132, 1232, 1332, 1532, 1630,1732) that are reactive to changes in one or more physical features(e.g., 1023, 1122, 1123, 1223, 1327, 1523, 1620A, 1620B, 1723) of a facewithin the field of view of the one or more cameras.

In some embodiments, the plurality of avatar features (e.g., 1032, 1132,1232, 1332, 1532, 1630, 1732) that are displayed prior to detecting thechange in the plurality of physical features of the face are displayedwithout regard to a current position of the physical features of theface (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth and other features that are alwaysdisplayed when the avatar is visible).

While displaying the virtual avatar, the electronic device (e.g., 100,300, 500, 600) detects (2204) a change in a plurality of physicalfeatures (e.g., 1022, 1020, 1122, 1123, 1222, 1223, 1228, 1323, 1327,1522, 1523, 1620A, 1620B, 1722, 1723) of the face, the plurality ofphysical features of the face including a first physical feature (e.g.,1020, 1123, 1223, 1323, 1523, 1623, 1723) (e.g., a user's mouth or eye)that corresponds to one or more of the plurality of avatar features(e.g., avatar mouth or eye) and a second physical feature (e.g., 1022,1122, 1222, 1228, 1327, 1522, 1722, 1620A, 1620B) (e.g., user's eyebrow,eyelid, cheeks, or lips) that does not correspond to any of theplurality of avatar features (e.g., 1032, 1132, 1232, 1332, 1532, 1633,1732). In such examples, the avatar is initially displayed without therespective eyebrows, eyelids, lips, or cheeks.

In response to detecting the change in the plurality of physicalfeatures (e.g., 1022, 1020, 1122, 1123, 1222, 1223, 1228, 1323, 1327,1522, 1523, 1620A, 1620B, 1722, 1723) of the face (2206), the electronicdevice (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) changes (2208) an appearance of arespective avatar feature (e.g., 1032, 1030, 1132, 1232, 1332, 1532,1630, 1732) of the plurality of avatar features wherein a magnitudeand/or (e.g., an inclusive “or”) direction of change of the respectiveavatar feature is based on a magnitude or direction of change in thefirst physical feature (at least one of the magnitude and direction).Changing an appearance of a respective avatar feature such that amagnitude and/or direction of change of the respective avatar feature isbased on a magnitude or direction of change in the first physicalfeature provides the user feedback indicating that further movement ofthe same physical feature will cause the device to modify an appearanceof the respective avatar feature based on a direction or magnitude ofchange in the further movements of the same physical feature. Providingimproved visual feedback to the user enhances the operability of thedevice and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., byhelping the user to achieve an intended result by providing feedbackindicative of an input that will cause the device to generate theintended result and reducing user mistakes when operating/interactingwith the device) which, additionally, reduces power usage and improvesbattery life of the device by enabling the user to use the device morequickly and efficiently.

Further in response to detecting the change in the plurality of physicalfeatures (e.g., 1022, 1020, 1122, 1123, 1222, 1223, 1228, 1323, 1327,1522, 1523, 1620A, 1620B, 1722, 1723) of the face (2206), the electronicdevice (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) deforms (2210) a portion of thevirtual avatar that did not include an avatar feature prior to detectingthe change in the one or more physical features of the face (e.g., 1038,1050, 1138, 1139, 1250, 1254, 1256, 1258, 1339, 1348, 1538, 1531, 1633,1645, 1738) (e.g., deforming an eyebrow-less forehead region of thevirtual avatar), wherein a magnitude and/or direction of deforming theportion of the avatar feature is based on the magnitude and/or directionof change in the second physical feature. In some examples, the portionof the virtual avatar that is deformed was displayed prior to detectingthe change in the plurality of physical features of the face (e.g., aregion between a top of the avatar's head and the avatar's eyes isdeformed to create eyebrows when more than a threshold amount of eyebrowmovement is detected in the one or more physical features). Deforming,in response to detecting the change in the plurality of physicalfeatures, a portion of the virtual avatar that did not include an avatarfeature prior to detecting the change in the one or more physicalfeatures of the face provides the user with feedback indicating thatfurther movement of the same physical features will cause the device tointroduce a new avatar feature by deforming the portion of the virtualavatar. Providing improved visual feedback to the user enhances theoperability of the device and makes the user-device interface moreefficient (e.g., by helping the user to achieve an intended result byproviding feedback indicative of an input that will cause the device togenerate the intended result and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some examples, the one or more physical features include a thirdphysical feature (e.g., 1022, 1122, 1222, 1327, 1522, 1722, 1620A,1620B) (e.g., user's eyebrow, lips, or eyelid). In such examples, whilea first physical feature value of the third physical feature is below afirst avatar feature inclusion threshold (e.g., having a magnitude of 1or greater in a possible magnitude range of 0-10) and the virtual avatardoes not include a first avatar feature (e.g., 1038, 1050, 1138, 1139,1250, 1254, 1256, 1258, 1339, 1348, 1538, 1531, 1633, 1645, 1738) (e.g.,an avatar feature (e.g., avatar eyelid) different than the respectiveavatar feature that is not initially displayed) that is at leastpartially reactive to the third physical feature, the electronic device(e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) detects a change in the third physicalfeature from the first physical feature value to a second physicalfeature value. In such examples, in accordance with the second physicalfeature value of the third physical feature meeting or exceeding thefirst avatar feature inclusion threshold, the electronic device (e.g.,100, 300, 500, 600) modifies the virtual avatar to include the firstavatar feature (e.g., 1038, 1050, 1138, 1139, 1250, 1254, 1256, 1258,1339, 1348, 1538, 1531, 1633, 1645, 1738) (e.g., introducing apreviously undisplayed avatar eyelid when the user's eyelid changesposition (e.g., moves) a value that is equal to or greater than aposition change threshold). Further in such examples, in accordance withthe second physical feature value of the third physical feature notmeeting or exceeding the first avatar feature inclusion threshold, theelectronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) forgoes modifying thevirtual avatar to include the first avatar feature (e.g., the avatarcontinues to be displayed without avatar eyelids, lips, or eyebrows, forexample). Modifying the virtual avatar to include the first avatarfeature in accordance with the second physical feature value of thethird physical feature meeting or exceeding the first avatar featureinclusion threshold provides the user with options for controlling theinclusion of modifications to features of the virtual avatar withoutrequiring displayed user interface control (e.g., touch control)elements. Providing additional control options without cluttering theuser interface with additional controls enhances the operability of thedevice making the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helpingthe user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some examples, the third physical feature includes at least a portionof a user's eye (e.g., 1123), the first avatar feature (e.g., 1138)includes at least a portion of an avatar eyebrow (e.g., an avatareyebrow that is not displayed prior to detecting the change in theplurality of physical features of the face), the first avatar featureinclusion threshold is met or exceeded when the size of the at least aportion of the user's eye (e.g., a magnitude (such as a percentage of amaximum range) of the eye's openness) is greater than a threshold sizevalue. In such examples, modifying the virtual avatar to include thefirst avatar feature includes modifying the virtual avatar to includethe at least a portion of the avatar eyebrow (e.g., an avatar eyebrow isadded to the avatar). In some examples, the added avatar eyebrow has araised position.

In some examples, the third physical feature includes at least a portionof a user's eye (e.g., 1127), the first avatar feature includes at leasta portion of an avatar eyebrow or eyelid (e.g., 1148) (e.g., an avatareyebrow or eyelid that is not displayed prior to detecting the change inthe plurality of physical features of the face) and at least a portionof an avatar cheek (e.g., 1139) (e.g., an avatar cheekbone that is notdisplayed prior to detecting the change in the plurality of physicalfeatures of the face). In such examples, the first avatar featureinclusion threshold is met or exceeded when the size of the at least aportion of the user's eye (e.g., a magnitude (such as a percentage of amaximum range) of the eye's openness) is less than a threshold sizevalue. Further in such examples, modifying the virtual avatar to includethe first avatar feature includes modifying the virtual avatar toinclude the at least a portion of the avatar eyebrow or eyelid and theat least a portion of the avatar cheek. For example, as shown in FIG.11C, an avatar eyebrow or eyelid is added to the avatar, and an avatarcheekbone is added to the avatar at a position below the avatar's eye.In some examples, the added avatar eyebrow has a lowered position.

In some examples, the third physical feature includes at least a portionof a user's eyebrow (e.g., 1222), the first avatar feature includes oneor more protrusions (e.g., 1254), the first avatar feature inclusionthreshold is met or exceeded when a magnitude of a vertical displacementof the at least a portion of the user's eyebrow (e.g., a magnitude (suchas a percentage of a maximum range) of the eyebrow's movement in avertical direction towards the top of the user's head) is greater than athreshold displacement value, and modifying the virtual avatar toinclude the first avatar feature includes modifying the virtual avatarto include the one or more protrusions positioned on least an upperportion of an avatar's head. For example, one or more spikes orprotrusions are extended from the top of the avatar's head as shown inFIG. 12B.

In some examples, the third physical feature includes at least a portionof a user's cheek (e.g., 1228), the first avatar feature includes one ormore protrusions (e.g., 1258), the first avatar feature inclusionthreshold is met or exceeded when the at least a portion of the user'scheek is expanded (e.g., a magnitude (such as a percentage of a maximumrange) of the cheek puff) greater than a threshold expanding value, andmodifying the virtual avatar to include the first avatar featureincludes modifying the virtual avatar to include the one or moreprotrusions positioned on at least a portion of an avatar cheek. Forexample, one or more spikes or protrusions are extended from theavatar's cheek as shown in FIG. 12B.

In some examples, the third physical feature includes at least a portionof a user's eyebrow (e.g., 1222), the first avatar feature includes acurved orientation of an upper portion (e.g., the “face” or “headportion” of the virtual avatar) of the virtual avatar about a lowerportion (e.g., the base or lower-neck portion) of the virtual avatar(e.g., 1240A, 1240B), the first avatar feature inclusion threshold ismet or exceeded when a magnitude of a vertical displacement of the atleast a portion of the user's eyebrow (e.g., a magnitude (such as apercentage of a maximum range) of the eyebrow's movement in a verticaldirection away from the top of the user's head) is greater than athreshold displacement value (e.g., the threshold displacement value isa relative position of the user's eyebrow that corresponds to a frownpose of a single one of the user's eyebrows or both of the user'seyebrows), and modifying the virtual avatar to include the first avatarfeature includes modifying the upper portion of the virtual avatar tocurve (e.g., the face or head of the virtual avatar droops by having acurved orientation about the lower portion (e.g., the base or lower-neckportion) of the virtual avatar) about the lower portion of the virtualavatar. In some examples, one or more avatar features (e.g., 1230,1240A, 1240B) have a curved orientation such that the drooping pose ofthe avatar includes drooping of the avatar features. In some examples,the upper portions of the virtual avatar droop below the lower portionof the virtual avatar (e.g., one or more corners of a bottom edge of thevirtual avatar droop down below a level of the face of the virtualavatar). One such example is shown in 1011C of FIG. 10A.

In some examples, the first physical feature includes at least a portionof a user's eye (e.g., 1023, 1123, 1523, 1723), the respective avatarfeature includes at least a portion of an avatar eye (1032, 1132, 1532,1732), and the second physical feature includes at least a portion of auser's eyebrow (1022, 1122, 1522, 1722). In such embodiments, detectingthe change in the plurality of physical features of the face includesdetecting the at least a portion of the user's eye opening wider (e.g.,a greater amount of the user's eye is visible when compared to theamount of the user's eye that is visible when the user's eye is open andin a neutral, resting position) and the at least a portion of the user'seyebrow raising (e.g., the eyebrow has a position that is verticallydisplaced (e.g., in a direction away from the user's eyes or towards thetop of the user's head) with respect to the neutral, resting position ofthe eyebrow). In some examples, the detection of the user's eye wideningis tied to a position of the user's upper eyelid. In such examples, thedetermination is based on whether the user's upper eyelid has a positionthat is vertically displaced when compared to the neutral, restingposition of the eyelid when the user's eye is opened. If the eyelid isvertically displaced in a direction towards the top of the user's head,the eye is considered to be widened or opened (or moving in an openingdirection). Conversely, if the eyelid is vertically displaced in adirection towards the user's cheeks, the eye is considered to benarrowed or closed (or moving in a closing direction). Further in suchembodiments, changing an appearance of the respective avatar featureincludes opening the at least a portion of the avatar eye wider (e.g.,the avatar eye is modified to display a greater amount of the avatar'seye (or to increase the size of the avatar's eye) than was visible priorto detecting the change in the one or more physical features of theface), and deforming a portion of the virtual avatar that did notinclude an avatar feature prior to detecting the change in the one ormore physical features of the face includes deforming a portion of thevirtual avatar above the at least a portion of the avatar eye byintroducing an avatar eyebrow feature (e.g., 1038, 1138, 1538, 1738)(e.g., an avatar eyebrow is added to the avatar at a positioncorresponding to the raised position of the user's eyebrow).

In some examples, the first physical feature includes at least a portionof a user's eye (e.g., 1127), the respective avatar feature includes atleast a portion of an avatar eye (e.g., 1132), the second physicalfeature includes at least a portion of a user's eyebrow (e.g., 1122),detecting the change in the plurality of physical features of the faceincludes detecting the at least a portion of the user's eye narrowing(e.g., a lesser amount of the user's eye is visible when compared to theamount of the user's eye that is visible when the user's eye is open andin a neutral, resting position) and the at least a portion of the user'seyebrow lowering (e.g., the eyebrow has a position that is verticallydisplaced (e.g., in a direction towards the user's eyes or away from thetop of the user's head) with respect to the neutral, resting position ofthe eyebrow). In some examples, the detection of the user's eyenarrowing is tied to a position of the user's upper eyelid. In suchexamples, the determination is based on whether the user's upper eyelidhas a position that is vertically displaced when compared to theneutral, resting position of the eyelid when the user's eye is opened.If the upper eyelid is vertically displaced in a direction towards theuser's cheeks, the eye is considered to be narrowed or closed (or movingin a closing or narrowing direction). Conversely, if the upper eyelid isvertically displaced in a direction towards the top of the user's head,the eye is considered to be widened or opened (or moving in an openingor widening direction). In some examples, the detection of the user'seye narrowing is tied to a position of the user's lower eyelid (or acombination of the user's upper and lower eyelids). In such embodiments,the determination is based on whether the user's lower eyelid has aposition that is vertically displaced when compared to the neutral,resting position of the eyelid when the user's eye is opened. If thelower eyelid is vertically displaced in a direction away from the user'scheeks, the eye is considered to be narrowed or closed (or moving in aclosing or narrowing direction). In such embodiments, changing anappearance of the respective avatar feature includes closing the atleast a portion of the avatar eye (e.g., the avatar eye is modified todisplay a lesser amount of the avatar's eye than was visible prior todetecting the change in the one or more physical features of the face).In some examples, closing the avatar eye includes introducing an avatareyelid, wherein the avatar eyelid is in a closed position or movingtowards a closed position. In some examples, closing the avatar eyeincludes moving a displayed eyelid to a closed position. In someexamples, closing the avatar eye includes decreasing the size of theavatar's eye. In such embodiments, the decrease in the size of theavatar's eye can include decreasing the size of the avatar's eyelids).Further in such embodiments, deforming a portion of the virtual avatarthat did not include an avatar feature prior to detecting the change inthe one or more physical features of the face includes deforming aportion of the virtual avatar above the at least a portion of the avatareye by introducing an avatar eyebrow or eyelid feature (e.g., 1148)(e.g., an avatar eyebrow or eyelid is added to the avatar at a positioncorresponding to the lowered position of the user's eyebrow) anddeforming a portion of the virtual avatar below the at least a portionof the avatar eye by introducing an avatar cheek feature (e.g., 1139)(e.g., an avatar cheekbone is added to the avatar at a position belowthe avatar's eye).

In some examples, the first physical feature includes at least a portionof a user's eye (e.g., 1323), the respective avatar feature includes atleast a portion of an avatar eye (e.g., 1332), the second physicalfeature includes at least a portion of a user's eyelid (e.g., 1327),detecting the change in the plurality of physical features of the faceincludes detecting the at least a portion of the user's eye narrowing(e.g., a lesser amount of the user's eye is visible when compared to theamount of the user's eye that is visible when the user's eye is open andin a neutral, resting position) and the at least a portion of the user'seyelid lowering (e.g., the eyelid has a position that is verticallydisplaced when compared to the neutral, resting position of the eyelidwhen the user's eye is opened). In some examples, the detection of theuser's eye narrowing is tied to a position of the user's upper eyelid.In such examples, the determination is based on whether the user's uppereyelid has a position that is vertically displaced when compared to theneutral, resting position of the eyelid when the user's eye is opened.If the upper eyelid is vertically displaced in a direction towards theuser's cheeks, the eye is considered to be narrowed or closed (or movingin a closing or narrowing direction). Conversely, if the upper eyelid isvertically displaced in a direction towards the top of the user's head,the eye is considered to be widened or opened (or moving in an openingor widening direction). In some examples, the detection of the user'seye narrowing is tied to a position of the user's lower eyelid (or acombination of the user's upper and lower eyelids). In such embodiments,the determination is based on whether the user's lower eyelid has aposition that is vertically displaced when compared to the neutral,resting position of the eyelid when the user's eye is opened. If thelower eyelid is vertically displaced in a direction away from the user'scheeks, the eye is considered to be narrowed or closed (or moving in aclosing or narrowing direction).). In some examples, the user's eyelidis the upper eyelid. In such embodiments, if the upper eyelid isvertically displaced in a direction towards the user's cheeks, the eyeis considered to be narrowed or closed (or moving in a closing ornarrowing direction). In some examples, the user's eyelid is the lowereyelid. In such examples, if the lower eyelid is vertically displaced ina direction away from the user's cheeks, the eye is considered to benarrowed or closed (or moving in a closing or narrowing direction). Insuch embodiments, changing an appearance of the respective avatarfeature includes closing the at least a portion of the avatar eye (e.g.,the avatar eye is modified to display a lesser amount of the avatar'seye than was visible prior to detecting the change in the one or morephysical features of the face) and deforming a portion of the virtualavatar that did not include an avatar feature prior to detecting thechange in the one or more physical features of the face includesdeforming a portion of the avatar eye by introducing an avatar eyelidfeature (e.g., 1348, 1339) (e.g., an avatar eyelid is added to theavatar). In some examples, closing the avatar eye includes decreasingthe size of the avatar's eye. In such examples, the decrease in the sizeof the avatar's eye can include decreasing the size of the avatar'seyelids. In some examples, the avatar eyelid is introduced at a closedposition or moving towards a closed position.

In some examples, the first physical feature includes at least a portionof a user's lip (e.g., 1029, 1229, 1520A, 1520B, 1620A, 1620B), therespective avatar feature includes at least a portion of an avatar mouth(e.g., 1030, 1230, 1530, 1630), detecting the change in the plurality ofphysical features of the face includes detecting the at least a portionof the user's lip having a pucker pose, and changing an appearance ofthe respective avatar feature includes modifying the at least a portionof the avatar mouth to include a set of avatar lips having a pucker pose(e.g., 1050, 1250, 1531, 1645). For example, the avatar mouthtransitions into a different avatar feature (e.g., a set of lips) havinga predetermined configuration that includes puckered lips.

In some examples, the first physical feature includes at least a portionof a user's lip (e.g., 1620A, 1620B), the respective avatar featureincludes at least a portion of an avatar beak (e.g., 1630), detectingthe change in the plurality of physical features of the face includesdetecting the at least a portion of the user's lip having a pucker pose,and changing an appearance of the respective avatar feature includesmodifying the at least a portion of the avatar beak to include a set ofavatar lips having a pucker pose (e.g., 1645). For example, the tip ofthe avatar beak transitions into a different avatar feature (e.g., a setof lips) having a predetermined configuration that includes puckeredlips.

In some examples, the one or more physical features include a thirdphysical feature (e.g., a user's cheek 1228) that does not correspond toany of the plurality of avatar features (e.g., initial avatar features1232, 1230). In such examples, the electronic device (e.g., 100, 300,500, 600) deforms a second portion of the virtual avatar (e.g., a cheekportion 1256) that did not include an avatar feature prior to detectingthe change in the one or more physical features of the face, wherein amagnitude or direction of deforming the second portion of the avatarfeature is based on a magnitude or direction of change in the thirdphysical feature. For example, in it's neutral state, the avatar (e.g.,an alien avatar 1200) does not include an avatar feature (e.g., avatarcheeks 1256) that corresponds to the third physical feature (e.g., theuser's cheeks 1228). In some examples, this additional avatar featureappears when a change is detected in the third physical feature (e.g.,the user expands their cheeks, and the avatar is modified to includeexpanded cheeks). In such embodiments, the virtual avatar is capable ofbeing modified to introduce a plurality of avatar features (e.g., avatareyebrows, avatar cheeks, etc.) that correspond to a plurality of userfeatures. Deforming a second portion of the virtual avatar that did notinclude an avatar feature prior to detecting the change in the one ormore physical features of the face, wherein a magnitude or direction ofthe deformation is based on a magnitude or direction of change in thethird physical feature, provides the user with feedback indicating thatfurther movement of the same physical feature will cause the device todeform a second portion of the avatar feature based on a direction ormagnitude of change in the further movements of the same physicalfeature. Providing improved visual feedback to the user enhances theoperability of the device and makes the user-device interface moreefficient (e.g., by helping the user to achieve an intended result byproviding feedback indicative of an input that will cause the device togenerate the intended result and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the second physical feature includes at least aportion of a user's eyelid (e.g., 1227), the third physical featureincludes at least a portion of a user's cheek (e.g., 1228), anddetecting the change in the plurality of physical features of the faceincludes detecting the at least a portion of the user's eyelid closing(e.g., the eyelid has a closed position in which very little or noportion of the user's eyeball is visible) and a change in the at least aportion of the user's cheek (e.g. the user puffs, or expands, theircheek). In such embodiments, deforming a portion of the virtual avatarthat did not include an avatar feature prior to detecting the change inthe one or more physical features of the face includes deforming aportion of the virtual avatar by introducing an avatar eyelid feature(e.g., eyelids associated with eyes 1232). For example, an avatar eyelidis added to the avatar. In some examples, the avatar eyelid isintroduced at a closed position (e.g., when the virtual avatar is analien). Further in such embodiments, deforming a second portion of thevirtual avatar that did not include an avatar feature prior to detectingthe change in the one or more physical features of the face includesdeforming the second portion of the virtual avatar by introducing acheek feature (e.g., 1256). For example, the virtual avatar is modifiedto include an avatar cheek having a puffed-out, or expanded, pose asshown in FIG. 12B.

In some examples, the second physical feature includes at least aportion of a user's eyebrow (e.g., 1222), detecting the change in theplurality of physical features of the face includes detecting the atleast a portion of the user's eyebrow raising (e.g., the eyebrow has aposition that is vertically displaced (e.g., in a direction away fromthe user's eyes or towards the top of the user's head) with respect tothe neutral, resting position of the eyebrow), and deforming a portionof the virtual avatar that did not include an avatar feature prior todetecting the change in the one or more physical features of the faceincludes deforming an upper portion of an avatar head (e.g., the top ofthe virtual avatar's head) by introducing one or more protrusions (e.g.,1254) extending from the upper portion of the avatar head. For example,one or more spikes or protrusions 1254 are extended from the top of theavatar's head as shown in 1212B of FIG. 12B. Deforming an upper portionof an avatar head to include one or more protrusions based on raising ofa user's eyebrow provides the user with efficient controls forintroducing a new avatar feature without requiring additional displayedcontrols or inputs (e.g., touch inputs). Providing additional controloptions without cluttering the UI with additional displayed controlsenhances the operability of the device and makes the user-deviceinterface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide properinputs and reducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with thedevice) which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves batterylife of the device by enabling the user to use the device more quicklyand efficiently.

In some examples, the first physical feature includes at least a portionof a user's cheek (e.g., 1228), the respective avatar feature includesat least a portion of an avatar cheek (e.g., 1256), detecting the changein the plurality of physical features of the face includes detecting theat least a portion of the user's cheek having an expanded pose (e.g.,the user's cheeks have an expanded pose when the user puffs their cheeksout with air), and changing an appearance of the respective avatarfeature includes modifying the at least a portion of the avatar cheek toinclude one or more protrusions (e.g., 1258) extending from the avatarcheek. For example, one or more spikes or protrusions 1258 are extendedfrom the avatar's cheek as shown in 1212D of FIG. 12B. Modifying atleast a portion of the avatar cheek to include one or more protrusionsbased on a change in a user's check provides the user with efficientcontrols for introducing a new avatar feature without requiringadditional displayed controls or inputs (e.g., touch inputs). Providingadditional control options without cluttering the UI with additionaldisplayed controls enhances the operability of the device and makes theuser-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user toprovide proper inputs and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

Note that details of the processes described above with respect tomethod 2200 (e.g., FIG. 22) are also applicable in an analogous mannerto the methods described above and to methods 2300, 2400, and 2500,described below. For example, method 2200 optionally includes one ormore of the characteristics of the various methods described below andabove with reference to methods 800, 900, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2300,2400, and 2500. For example, the methods of generating, sending, andreceiving animated avatars in accordance with method 800 and 900 mayemploy virtual avatars (e.g., virtual avatars that can exhibit increasedcomplexity (e.g., having increased avatar features) as required)generated in accordance with method 2200. Similarly, virtual avatarsgenerated and/or modified in accordance method 2200 may be included inthe displayed preview of a virtual avatar in a virtual avatar generationinterface (e.g., 804, 904) of method 800 or 900. For another example,virtual avatars (e.g., virtual avatars that can exhibit increasedcomplexity (e.g., having increased avatar features) as required)generated in accordance with method 2200 may also be generated inaccordance with the virtual avatar generation and modification methodsof methods 800, 900, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2300, 2400, and 2500. Forexample, a virtual avatar generated in accordance with method 2200 mayinclude a first avatar portion (e.g., 1034) that reacts differently thana second avatar portion (e.g., 1036) to changes in pose of a user's facedifferently, depending on the type of change in pose (e.g., 1810 and1812). Similarly, a virtual avatar generated in accordance with method2200 may include an avatar feature (e.g., 1133) that reacts (e.g., 1904,1910, 1914) to changes in both first (e.g., 1122) and second (e.g.,1120A-B) physical features. For brevity, further examples are excluded.

FIG. 23 is a flow diagram illustrating a method, at an electronicdevice, for generating a virtual avatar based on a face detected by oneor more cameras in accordance with some embodiments. Method 2300 isperformed at an electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) with one ormore cameras (e.g., 164, 602) and a display apparatus (e.g., 112, 340,504, 601). Some operations in method 2300 are, optionally, combined, theorders of some operations are, optionally, changed, and some operationsare, optionally, omitted.

As described below, method 2300 provides an intuitive way for generatingvirtual avatars that can exhibit exaggerated movement compared to usermovement. The method reduces the physical and cognitive burden on a userfor generating virtual avatars, thereby creating a more efficienthuman-machine interface. For battery-operated computing devices,enabling a user to generate a desired virtual avatar faster and moreefficiently conserves power and increases the time between batterycharges. Examples of method 2300 may be found in the user interfaces andvirtual avatars discussed with reference to FIGS. 10A-10I, 12A-12C,14A-14D, and 17A-17B.

The electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) displays (2302), viathe display apparatus (e.g., 112, 340, 504, 601) a virtual avatar (e.g.,1000, 1200, 1400, 1700), that includes a first avatar feature (e.g.,1030, 1232, 1430, 1430L, 1430U, 1736) reactive to changes in a firstphysical feature (e.g., 1020, 1223, 1420, 1420A, 1420B, 1720) of a facewithin the field of view of the one or more cameras.

While displaying the virtual avatar (e.g., 1000, 1200, 1400, 1700), theelectronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) detects (2304) a change inthe first physical feature (e.g., 1020, 1223, 1420, 1420A, 1420B, 1720)with a first physical-feature-change magnitude.

In response to detecting the change in the first physical feature, theelectronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) can perform one or more ofthe following operations. In accordance with a determination that thechange in the first physical feature (e.g., 1020, 1223, 1420, 1420A,1420B, 1720) is within a first range of physical feature values, theelectronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) changes the first avatarfeature (e.g., 1030, 1232, 1430, 1430L, 1430U, 1736) by a firstavatar-feature-change magnitude (e.g., a degree of change of the avatarfeature that is based on, but not necessarily equal to, the firstphysical-feature-change magnitude) that is based on the firstphysical-feature-change magnitude (e.g., for the first range of changesin the first physical feature, the changes in the avatar feature changeat a normal or reduced rate). In some examples, theavatar-feature-change magnitude is arrived at by applying a multipliervalue to the physical-feature-change magnitude. In accordance with adetermination that the change in the first physical feature (e.g., 1020,1223, 1420, 1420A, 1420B, 1720) is within a second range of physicalfeature values that is different from (e.g., greater than) the firstrange of physical feature values, the electronic device (e.g., 100, 300,500, 600) changes the first avatar feature (e.g., 1030, 1232, 1430,1430L, 1430U, 1736) by a second avatar-feature-change magnitude that isdifferent from (e.g., greater than) the first avatar-feature-changemagnitude and is based on the first physical-feature-change magnitude(e.g., for the second range of changes in the first physical feature,the changes in the avatar feature change at an exaggerated rate). Insome embodiments, the first range of physical feature values and thesecond range of physical feature values are non-overlapping. Changingthe first avatar feature by a change magnitude that varies with therange of the changes in the physical feature value provides the userwith feedback about the state of the physical feature change datadetected by the electronic device and whether that detected change datais within first or second ranges of physical feature values. Providingimproved visual feedback to the user enhances the operability of thedevice and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., byhelping the user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakeswhen operating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some examples, the first avatar feature is an avatar lip or mouth(e.g., 1030, 1430, 1430L, 1430U, or part thereof), the first physicalfeature of the face is a user lip or mouth (e.g., 1020, 1420, 1420A,1420B, or part thereof), the first range of physical feature valuesincludes a relaxed state value (e.g., a default value, an initial value)corresponding to a relaxed state of the user lip, the second range ofphysical feature values includes a first displacement state value (e.g.,a value greater than the relaxed state value (e.g., 50% displacement ina range of possible displacement)) corresponding to a displaced state ofthe user lip (e.g., a state in which the lip is shifted (or shiftedfurther compared to the relaxed, initial, or neutral state)), and thefirst avatar-feature-change magnitude is less than the secondavatar-feature-change magnitude. In some examples, the relaxed statevalue is a minimum movement value within a range of potential movement(e.g., a 0% movement value). In some examples, the first displacementstate value is a maximum displacement state value. In some examples, themaximum displacement state value is a maximum movement value (e.g., amaximum predicted movement value, a maximum tracked movement value)within a range of potential movement (e.g., a 100% movement value).

In some examples, changes in the first avatar feature (e.g., the avatarlip) become more exaggerated as the physical feature (e.g., the user'slip) changes from a relaxed state to state closer to a maximumdisplacement state. As a result, the changes in the avatar featurebecome more exaggerated, as compared to the changes in the user'sphysical feature, as changes in the physical feature increase withrespect to a relaxed state. In some examples, the firstavatar-feature-change magnitude is arrived at by applying a multiplierof 1 or less to the first physical-feature-change magnitude and thesecond avatar-feature-change magnitude is arrived at by applying amultiplier of greater than 1 to the first physical-feature-changemagnitude. Changing the mouth of the virtual avatar by a greatermagnitude as the user's mouth moves beyond a relaxed state provides theuser with a method to amplify changes to the avatar mouth. Performing anoperation (e.g., amplified changing of an avatar's mouth) when a set ofconditions has been met without requiring further user input enhancesthe operability of the device and makes the user-device interface moreefficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide proper inputs andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some examples, the relaxed state of the user mouth (e.g., 1020, 1420,1420A, 1420B, or part thereof) has a first user mouth shape (e.g., aclosed or mostly closed shape formed by a human mouth), the displacedstate of the user mouth has a second user mouth shape (e.g., an open ormostly open shape formed by a human mouth), changing the first avatarfeature (e.g., 1030, 1430, 1430L, 1430U, or part thereof) by a firstavatar-feature-change magnitude includes changing the avatar mouth(e.g., 1430, 1430L, 1430U or part thereof) to assume one or more shapes(e.g., a circle or trapezoid as shown in FIGS. 14C and 14D) that do notcorrespond to the first user mouth shape (e.g., a human smile, a humanfrown). In such embodiments, changing the first avatar feature by asecond avatar-feature-change magnitude includes changing the avatarmouth to assume one or more shapes (e.g., trapezoid or circle) that donot correspond to the second user mouth shape. In some examples, whilethe magnitude of changes to an avatar feature are based on the firstphysical-feature-change magnitude (e.g., the magnitude of change of thephysical feature), changes to the shape of the avatar feature are notbased on (or not completely or directly based on) changes to the shapeof the physical feature. In some such embodiments, the changes to theshape of the avatar feature are, instead, based on transitioning (e.g.,gradually or progressively transitioning) from an initial state of theavatar feature (e.g., a resting state, a neutral state (e.g., a circle))to a displaced state of the avatar feature (e.g., a trapezoid). Changingthe shape of the mouth of the virtual avatar to assume a shape differentthan the user's mouth provides the user with a method to affect changesto the avatar mouth without having to have the user's mouth assume thedesired shape and without requiring displayed user interface control(e.g., touch control) elements. Providing additional control optionswithout cluttering the user interface with additional controls enhancesthe operability of the device making the user-device interface moreefficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide proper inputs andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some examples, the first avatar feature is an avatar mouth (e.g.,1030, 1430, 1430L, 1430U, or part thereof), the first physical featureof the face is a user mouth (e.g., 1020, 1420, 1420A, 1420B, or partthereof), the first range of physical feature values includes a relaxedstate value (e.g., a default value, an initial value) corresponding to arelaxed state of the user mouth, the second range of physical featurevalues includes a first displacement state value (e.g., a value greaterthan the relaxed state value (e.g., 50% displacement in a range ofpossible displacement)) corresponding to a displaced state of the usermouth (e.g., a state in which the mouth is opened (or opened widercompared to the relaxed, initial, or neutral state), and the firstavatar-feature-change magnitude is less than the secondavatar-feature-change magnitude. In some examples, the relaxed statevalue is a minimum movement value within a range of potential movement(e.g., a 0% movement value. In some examples, the first displacementstate value is a maximum displacement state value. In some examples, themaximum displacement state value is a maximum movement value (e.g., amaximum predicted movement value, a maximum tracked movement value)within a range of potential movement (e.g., a 100% movement value). Insome examples, such as that shown in FIG. 10B, changes in the firstavatar feature (e.g., the avatar mouth 1030) become more exaggerated asthe physical feature (e.g., the user's mouth 1020) changes from arelaxed state to state closer to a maximum displacement state. As aresult, the changes in the avatar feature become more exaggerated, ascompared to the changes in the user's physical feature, as changes inthe physical feature increase with respect to a relaxed state. In someexamples, the first avatar-feature-change magnitude is arrived at byapplying a multiplier of 1 or less to the first physical-feature-changemagnitude and the second avatar-feature-change magnitude is arrived atby applying a multiplier of greater than 1 to the firstphysical-feature-change magnitude. Changing the mouth of the virtualavatar by a greater magnitude as the user's mouth moves beyond a relaxedstate provides the user with a method to amplify changes to the avatarmouth. Performing an operation (e.g., amplified changing of an avatar'smouth) when a set of conditions has been met without requiring furtheruser input enhances the operability of the device and makes theuser-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user toprovide proper inputs and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some examples, the first avatar feature is an avatar eye (e.g.,1232), the first physical feature of the face is a user eye or eyelid(e.g., 1223, 1227, or part thereof), the first range of physical featurevalues includes a relaxed state value (e.g., a default value, an initialvalue) corresponding to a relaxed state of the user eyelid (e.g., whenthe user's eyelid is in an open position), the second range of physicalfeature values includes a first displacement state value (e.g., a valuegreater than the relaxed state value (e.g., 50% displacement in a rangeof possible displacement)) corresponding to a displaced state of theuser eyelid (e.g., a state in which the eyelid is opened (or openedwider compared to the relaxed, initial, or neutral state)), and thefirst avatar-feature-change magnitude is less than the secondavatar-feature-change magnitude. In some examples, the relaxed statevalue is a minimum movement value within a range of potential movement(e.g., a 0% movement value). In some examples, the first displacementstate value is a maximum displacement state value. In some examples, themaximum displacement state value is a maximum movement value (e.g., amaximum predicted movement value, a maximum tracked movement value)within a range of potential movement (e.g., a 100% movement value). Insome examples, such as that shown in FIG. 12C, changes in the firstavatar feature (e.g., the avatar eye 1232) become more exaggerated asthe physical feature (e.g., the user's eye or eyelid) changes from arelaxed state to state closer to a maximum displacement state. As aresult, the changes in the avatar feature become more exaggerated, ascompared to the changes in the user's physical feature, as changes inthe physical feature increase with respect to a relaxed state. In someexamples, the first avatar-feature-change magnitude is arrived at byapplying a multiplier of 1 or less to the first physical-feature-changemagnitude and the second avatar-feature-change magnitude is arrived atby applying a multiplier of greater than 1 to the firstphysical-feature-change magnitude. Changing the eye of the virtualavatar by a greater magnitude as the user's eyelid moves beyond arelaxed state provides the user with a method to amplify changes to theavatar eye. Performing an operation (e.g., amplified changing of anavatar's eye) when a set of conditions has been met without requiringfurther user input enhances the operability of the device and makes theuser-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user toprovide proper inputs and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some examples, the first avatar feature is an avatar eye (e.g., 1032or 1032A), the first physical feature of the face is a user eye (e.g.,1023 or part thereof), the first range of physical feature valuesincludes a relaxed state value (e.g., a default value, an initial value)corresponding to a relaxed state of the user eye, the second range ofphysical feature values includes a first displacement state value (e.g.,a value greater than the relaxed state value (e.g., 50% displacement ina range of possible displacement)) corresponding to a displaced state ofthe user eye (e.g., a state in which the eye is shifted (or shiftedfurther compared to the relaxed, initial, or neutral state)), and thefirst avatar-feature-change magnitude is less than the secondavatar-feature-change magnitude. In some examples, the relaxed statevalue is a minimum movement value within a range of potential movement(e.g., a 0% movement value). In some embodiments, the first displacementstate value is a maximum displacement state value. In some examples, themaximum displacement state value is a maximum movement value (e.g., amaximum predicted movement value, a maximum tracked movement value)within a range of potential movement (e.g., a 100% movement value). Insome examples, changes in the first avatar feature (e.g., the avatareye) become more exaggerated as the physical feature (e.g., the user'seye) changes from a relaxed state to state closer to a maximumdisplacement state. As a result, the changes in the avatar featurebecome more exaggerated, as compared to the changes in the user'sphysical feature, as changes in the physical feature increase withrespect to a relaxed state. In some examples, the firstavatar-feature-change magnitude is arrived at by applying a multiplierof 1 or less to the first physical-feature-change magnitude and thesecond avatar-feature-change magnitude is arrived at by applying amultiplier of greater than 1 to the first physical-feature-changemagnitude. Changing the eye of the virtual avatar by a greater magnitudeas the user's eye moves beyond a relaxed state provides the user with amethod to amplify changes to the avatar eye. Performing an operation(e.g., amplified changing of an avatar's eye) when a set of conditionshas been met without requiring further user input enhances theoperability of the device and makes the user-device interface moreefficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide proper inputs andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some examples, an avatar feature is reactive to changes in a physicalfeature of a face that does not anatomically or physiologicallycorrespond with the avatar feature. For example, the first avatarfeature is an avatar nose (e.g., 1736), the first physical feature ofthe face is a user lip (e.g., 1720, 1720A, or part thereof), and theavatar's nose may be reactive to changes in the user's lip. In suchembodiments, the first range of physical feature values includes arelaxed state value (e.g., a default value, an initial value)corresponding to a relaxed state of the user lip, the second range ofphysical feature values includes a first displacement state value (e.g.,a value greater than the relaxed state value (e.g., 50% displacement ina range of possible displacement)) corresponding to a displaced state ofthe user lip (e.g., a state in which the lip is shifted (or shiftedfurther) compared to the relaxed, initial, or neutral state), and thefirst avatar-feature-change magnitude is less than the secondavatar-feature-change magnitude. In some examples, the relaxed statevalue is a minimum movement value within a range of potential movement(e.g., a 0% movement value). In some examples, the first displacementstate value is a maximum displacement state value. In some examples, themaximum displacement state value is a maximum movement value (e.g., amaximum predicted movement value, a maximum tracked movement value)within a range of potential movement (e.g., a 100% movement value)). Insome examples, changes in the first avatar feature (e.g., the avatarnose) become more exaggerated as the physical feature (e.g., the user'slip or mouth) changes from a relaxed state to state closer to a maximumdisplacement state. As a result, the changes in the avatar featurebecome more exaggerated, as compared to the changes in the user'sphysical feature, as changes in the physical feature increase withrespect to a relaxed state. In some examples, the firstavatar-feature-change magnitude is arrived at by applying a multiplierof 1 or less to the first physical-feature-change magnitude and thesecond avatar-feature-change magnitude is arrived at by applying amultiplier of greater than 1 to the first physical-feature-changemagnitude. Changing the nose of the virtual avatar based on a user's lip(a physical feature that does not anatomically correspond to the avatarnose) provides the user with an input-efficient method for definingcharacteristics of the virtual avatar (e.g., movement of the user's nosemay be difficult). Performing an operation (e.g., changing an avatarnose) when a set of conditions has been met (e.g., movement of theuser's lip) without requiring further user input enhances theoperability of the device and makes the user-device interface moreefficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide proper inputs andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some examples, the first avatar feature (e.g., 1736) is also reactiveto changes in a second physical feature (e.g., 1722 in addition to1720A) of the face within the field of view of the one or more cameras.In such examples, the electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600),while displaying the virtual avatar (e.g., 1000, 1200, 1400, 1700),detects a change in the second physical feature with a secondphysical-feature-change magnitude. In such examples, in response todetecting the change in the second physical feature, the electronicdevice (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) can perform one or more of thefollowing operations. In accordance with a determination that the changein the second physical feature is within a third range of physicalfeature values, the electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) changesthe first avatar feature by a third avatar-feature-change magnitude thatis based on the second physical-feature-change magnitude (e.g., for thefirst range of changes in the first physical feature, the changes in theavatar feature change at a normal or reduced rate). In accordance with adetermination that the change in the second physical feature is within afourth range of physical feature values that is different from (e.g.,greater than) the third range of physical feature values, the electronicdevice (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) changes the first avatar feature by afourth avatar-feature-change magnitude that is different from (e.g.,greater than) the third avatar-feature-change magnitude and is based onthe second physical-feature-change magnitude (e.g., for the second rangeof changes in the first physical feature, the changes in the avatarfeature change at an exaggerated rate). Changing the first avatarfeature based on at least two physical features provides the user withan efficient input modality for changing the avatar feature withoutrequiring displayed user interface control (e.g., touch control)elements. Providing additional control options without cluttering theuser interface with additional controls enhances the operability of thedevice making the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helpingthe user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some examples, the virtual avatar (e.g., 1000, 1200, 1400, 1700)includes a second avatar feature (e.g., 1030, 1430, 1430L, 1430U) (e.g.,an avatar's mouth) reactive to changes in a third physical feature(e.g., 1020, 1420, 1420A, 1420B) (e.g., a user's mouth) of the facewithin the field of view of the camera. In such examples, the thirdphysical feature has a range of possible physical feature values basedon a predetermined range of motion of the third physical feature (e.g.,a range of motion expressed as magnitude values with respect to aninitial (e.g., resting) value), the second avatar feature has a range ofpossible avatar feature values based on a predetermined range of motionof the second avatar feature, and the predetermined range of motion ofthe second avatar feature is greater than the predetermined range ofmotion of the third physical feature (e.g., the range of motion of thefirst avatar feature, assessed based on an initial or resting magnitudevalue is greater than that for the corresponding physical feature). Forexample, the mouth of the avatar may expand in width by 300% compared toits initial size, whereas the physical feature has range of motion thatis only 200% its initial size. Further in such examples, the electronicdevice (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600), while the second avatar feature has afirst avatar feature value of the second avatar feature based on adetected first physical feature value of the third physical feature,detects a change in the third physical feature from the first physicalfeature value of the third physical feature to a second physical featurevalue of the third physical feature. In response to detecting the changein the third physical feature, the electronic device (e.g., 100, 300,500, 600) changes the second avatar feature from the first avatarfeature value of the second avatar feature to a second avatar featurevalue of the second avatar feature that is within the predeterminedrange of motion of the second avatar feature. Further in such examples,the second avatar feature value of the second avatar feature is based onthe relative value of the second physical feature value of the thirdphysical feature relative to the predetermined range of motion of thethird physical feature. Further in such examples, the difference betweenthe first avatar feature value of the second avatar feature and thesecond avatar feature value of the second avatar feature is greater thanthe difference between the first physical feature value of the thirdphysical feature and second physical feature value of the third physicalfeature. In some examples, changes to an avatar feature (e.g., a secondavatar feature (e.g., an avatar mouth)) that are based on a physicalfeature of the face (e.g., a third physical feature of the face (e.g., auser mouth)) are exaggerated, within the respective predetermined rangesof motion of the avatar feature and the physical feature. For example,when a user's mouth opens by 50% of the maximum size by which the mouthcan open, the avatar's mouth opens to 100% of the maximum size by whichthe avatar mouth can open. In such embodiments, this exaggeratedmovement of the avatar feature can allow the user to affect maximumchanges to the avatar feature, without having to uncomfortably changethe corresponding feature of their face (e.g., causing the avatar toopen its mouth as wide as possible without having to uncomfortably openthe user's mouth as wide as possible).

Note that details of the processes described above with respect tomethod 2300 (e.g., FIG. 23) are also applicable in an analogous mannerto the methods described above and to methods 2400 and 2500, describedbelow. For example, method 2300 optionally includes one or more of thecharacteristics of the various methods described below and above withreference to methods 800, 900, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2400, and2500. For example, the methods of generating, sending, and receivinganimated avatars in accordance with method 800 and 900 may employvirtual avatars (e.g., virtual avatars that can exhibit exaggeratedmovement compared to user movement) generated in accordance with method2300. Similarly, virtual avatars generated and/or modified in accordancemethod 2300 may be included in the displayed preview of a virtual avatarin a virtual avatar generation interface (e.g., 804, 904) of method 800or 900. For another example, virtual avatars (e.g., virtual avatars thatcan exhibit exaggerated movement compared to user movement) generated inaccordance with method 2300 may also be generated in accordance with thevirtual avatar generation and modification methods of methods 800, 900,1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2400, and 2500. For example, a virtualavatar generated in accordance with method 2300 may include a firstavatar portion (e.g., 1034) that reacts differently than a second avatarportion (e.g., 1036) to changes in pose of a user's face differently,depending on the type of change in pose (e.g., 1810 and 1812).Similarly, a virtual avatar generated in accordance with method 2300 mayinclude an avatar feature (e.g., 1133) that reacts (e.g., 1904, 1910,1914) to changes in both first (e.g., 1122) and second (e.g., 1120A-B)physical features. For brevity, further examples are excluded.

FIG. 24 is a flow diagram illustrating a method, at an electronicdevice, for generating a virtual avatar based on a face detected by oneor more cameras in accordance with some embodiments. Method 2400 isperformed at an electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) with one ormore cameras (e.g., 164, 602) and a display apparatus (e.g., 112, 340,504, 601). Some operations in method 2400 are, optionally, combined, theorders of some operations are, optionally, changed, and some operationsare, optionally, omitted.

As described below, method 2400 provides an intuitive way for generatingvirtual avatars, while reacting to changes in position of the user'sface. The method reduces the cognitive burden on a user for generatingvirtual avatars, thereby creating a more efficient human-machineinterface. For battery-operated computing devices, enabling a user togenerate a desired virtual avatar faster and more efficiently conservespower and increases the time between battery charges. Examples of method2400 may be found in the user interfaces and virtual avatars discussedwith reference to FIGS. 10A-10I.

The electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) displays (2402), viathe display apparatus (e.g., 112, 340, 504, 601) a virtual avatar (e.g.,1000). In some examples, the virtual avatar has a respective spatialposition within a frame of reference (e.g., a frame of reference usedfor determining how the virtual avatar should be displayed (e.g., at theelectronic device or a separate electronic device)), wherein therespective spatial position is based on a position of a face (e.g.,1003A-C, 1004A-D, 1005A-D, 1006A-D, 1007A-B, 1008A-D) within a field ofview of the one or more cameras (e.g., 164, 602). Examples of suchpositioning of a virtual avatar within a frame of reference isillustrated in 1013A-B, 1014A-D, 1015A-D, 1016A-D, 1017A-B, 1018A-D ofFIGS. 10C-10H.

While displaying the virtual avatar (e.g., 1000), the electronic device(e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) detects (2404) a change in position of theface (e.g., 1003A-B, 1004A-D, 1005A-D, 1006A-D, 1007A-B, 1008A-D) withinthe field of view of the one or more cameras (e.g., 164, 602) by arespective amount. For example, from a first position of the face to asecond position of the face with respect to the field of view of the oneor more cameras, such as a horizontal translational shift, a verticaltranslational shift, a translational shift in distance with respect tothe position of the one or more cameras (e.g., translational shift alongthe x, y, or z axes), or a rotational shift along a cardinal axis withinthe field of view (e.g., a rotational shift along the x, y, or z axes).

In response to detecting the change in position of the face (e.g.,1003A-B, 1004A-D, 1005A-D, 1006A-D, 1007A-B, 1008A-D) within the fieldof view of the one or more cameras (e.g., 164, 602) (2406), theelectronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) can perform one or more ofthe following operations. In accordance with a determination that thechange in position of the face includes a first component of change in afirst direction (e.g., 1003A-B, 1004A-D, 1005A-D, 1006A-D, 1007A-B,1008A-D), the electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) modifies(2408) the spatial position of the virtual avatar (e.g., 1000) withinthe frame of reference (e.g., 1013A-B, 1014A-D, 1015A-D, 1016A-D,1017A-B, 1018A-D) based on the magnitude of the first component ofchange and a first modification factor (e.g., a factor that dampens oramplifies motion affecting the position of the virtual avatar withrespect to the detected motion of the user's face in the field of viewof the one or more cameras).

In accordance with a determination that the change in position includesa second component of change in second direction (e.g., 1003A-B,1004A-D, 1005A-D, 1006A-D, 1007A-B, 1008A-D), different than the firstdirection, the electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) modifies(2410) the spatial position of the virtual avatar (e.g., 1000) withinthe frame of reference (e.g., 1013A-B, 1014A-D, 1015A-D, 1016A-D,1017A-B, 1018A-D) based on the magnitude of the second component ofchange and a second modification factor, different than the firstmodification factor. In some examples, detected motion of the user'sface is translated into dampened motion of the virtual avatardifferently depending on the nature of the detected motion. For example,translational movement in the horizontal (e.g., x-axis) direction may bedampened by half using a modification factor of 50%, whereastranslational movement in the vertical (e.g., y-axis) direction may bedampened by only a quarter by using a modification factor of 25%, whenthe device is oriented such that the field of view is narrower in thehorizontal than the vertical. In some examples, using differentmodification factors may assist the user to stay within a desired frameof reference, while still being responsive to the user's physicalrepositioning. Thus, modifying the spatial position of the virtualavatar within the frame of reference based on the magnitude of thesecond component of change (e.g., a translational component of change)and a second modification factor, different than the first modificationfactor assists in maintaining the virtual avatar within the frame ofreference when the component of change would otherwise result in thevirtual avatar shifting out of the frame of reference. Reducing theinputs needed to perform an operation (e.g., maintaining the virtualavatar within the frame of reference) enhances the operability of thedevice making the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helpingthe user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some examples, detecting the change in position of the face withinthe field of view of the one or more cameras (e.g., 164, 602) includesdetecting a change in position of the face that includes the firstcomponent of change, the first component of change is a horizontalcomponent of change with respect to the field of view of the one or morecameras (e.g., 1006A-D), and the first modification factor is adampening factor (e.g., a fractional modifier that, when applied to themagnitude of the first component of change, results in a lesser,modified magnitude value). In such examples, modifying the spatialposition of the virtual avatar within the frame of reference includesmodifying the spatial position, in the horizontal direction, by amagnitude less than the magnitude of the first component of change(e.g., 1016A-D). In some examples, the magnitude of change is determinedas a percentage change of position within the field of view of the oneor more cameras (e.g., for the face) or within the spatial frame ofreference (e.g., for the virtual avatar). For example, the spatialposition of the face may shift in the horizontal direction by 60% of thefull horizontal width of the field of view of the one or more cameras.In some such embodiments, applying a dampening factor of 50% wouldresult in the spatial position of the virtual avatar shifting by 30%(e.g., 60%*0.5) of the full horizontal width of the frame of reference(e.g., the display area designated for display of the virtual avatar).Dampening modifications of the spatial position of the virtual avatar,in the horizontal direction, within the frame of reference assists inmaintaining the virtual avatar horizontally aligned within the frame ofreference when the component of change would otherwise result in thevirtual avatar shifting out of the frame of reference. Reducing theinputs needed to perform an operation (e.g., maintaining the horizontalposition of the virtual avatar within the frame of reference) enhancesthe operability of the device making the user-device interface moreefficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide proper inputs andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some examples, detecting the change in position of the face withinthe field of view of the one or more cameras (e.g., 164, 602) includesdetecting a change in position of the face that includes the firstcomponent of change, the first component of change is a verticalcomponent of change with respect to the field of view of the one or morecameras (e.g., 1008A-B), and the first modification factor is adampening factor (e.g., a fractional modifier that, when applied to themagnitude of the first component of change, results in a lesser,modified magnitude value). In such examples, modifying the spatialposition of the virtual avatar (e.g., 1000) within the frame ofreference includes modifying the spatial position, in the verticaldirection, by a magnitude less than the magnitude of the first componentof change (e.g., 1018A-B). In some examples, the magnitude of change isdetermined as a percentage change of position within the field of viewof the one or more cameras (e.g., for the face) or within the spatialframe of reference (e.g., for the virtual avatar). For example, thespatial position of the face may shift in the vertical direction by 60%of the full vertical length of the field of view of the one or morecameras. In some such embodiments, applying a dampening factor of 50%would result in the spatial position of the virtual avatar shifting by30% (e.g., 60%*0.5) of the full vertical length of the frame ofreference (e.g., the display area designated for display of the virtualavatar). Dampening modifications of the spatial position of the virtualavatar, in the vertical direction, within the frame of reference assistsin maintaining the virtual avatar vertically aligned within the frame ofreference when the component of change would otherwise result in thevirtual avatar shifting out of the frame of reference. Reducing theinputs needed to perform an operation (e.g., maintaining the verticalposition of the virtual avatar within the frame of reference) enhancesthe operability of the device making the user-device interface moreefficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide proper inputs andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some examples, detecting the change in position of the face withinthe field of view of the one or more cameras (e.g., 164, 602) includesdetecting a change in position of the face that includes the firstcomponent of change, the first component of change is a depth-relatedcomponent of change with respect to the field of view of the one or morecameras (e.g., 1008C-D) (e.g., a change (e.g., a shift) along the axisnormal to the plane of the field of view of the one or more cameras, achange along the z-axis, a change inward or outward with respect to theplane of the field of view of the one or more cameras), and the firstmodification factor is a dampening factor (e.g., a fractional modifierthat, when applied to the magnitude of the first component of change,results in a lesser, modified magnitude value). In such examples,modifying the spatial position of the virtual avatar (e.g., 1000) withinthe frame of reference includes modifying the spatial position, in thedepth-related direction, by a magnitude less than the magnitude of thefirst component of change (e.g., 1018C-D). In some examples, themagnitude of change is determined as an absolute value (e.g., distance)as determined by the one or more cameras (e.g., one or more camerascapable of assessing depth). For example, the spatial position of theface may move away from the one or more cameras by 6 feet. In some suchembodiments, applying a dampening factor of 50% would result in thespatial position of the virtual avatar shifting by 3 feet further away,with respect to the virtual avatar's initial position (e.g., representedby the virtual avatar being presented at a smaller size indicative ofmoving further away by a distance of 3 feet). Dampening modifications ofthe spatial position of the virtual avatar, in the depth-specificdirection, within the frame of reference assists in maintaining thevirtual avatar properly sized within the frame of reference when thecomponent of change would otherwise result in the virtual avatarchanging to a suboptimal size. Reducing the inputs needed to perform anoperation (e.g., maintaining the optimal size of the virtual avatar)enhances the operability of the device making the user-device interfacemore efficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide proper inputs andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some examples, detecting the change in position of the face withinthe field of view of the one or more cameras (e.g., 164, 602) includesdetecting a change in position of the face that includes the firstcomponent of change, the first component of change includes rotation ofthe face around a vertical axis (e.g., a vertical axis that is parallelto the display) with respect to the field of view of the one or morecameras (e.g., 1004A-D) (e.g., there is a change in pose of the facethat includes the face rotating along the vertical axis (e.g., y-axis)such that a different sides of the face become exposed/visible to theone or more cameras), and the first modification factor is a neutralmodification factor (e.g., a modification factor that does not affectthe magnitude of the first component of change, a multiplier of 1) or anamplifying modification factor (e.g., a non-dampening modificationfactor, or a modification factor that, when applied to the magnitude ofthe first component of change, increases the magnitude, a multipliergreater than 1). In such examples, modifying the spatial position of thevirtual avatar (e.g., 1000) within the frame of reference includesrotating the spatial position of the virtual avatar around a verticalaxis by a magnitude at least equal to the magnitude of the firstcomponent of change (1014A-D). Modifying the spatial position of thevirtual avatar, without dampening the modifications when the change inposition of the user's face is a rotational change around a verticalaxis, provides the user with options for altering the spatial position(e.g., rotational orientation around a vertical axis) of the virtualavatar without requiring displayed user interface control (e.g., touchcontrol) elements. Providing additional control options withoutcluttering the user interface with additional controls enhances theoperability of the device making the user-device interface moreefficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide proper inputs andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some examples, detecting the change in position of the face withinthe field of view of the one or more cameras (e.g., 164, 602) includesdetecting a change in position of the face that includes the firstcomponent of change, the first component of change includes tilting ofthe face around the horizontal axis (e.g., a horizontal axis that isparallel to the display) with respect to the field of view of the one ormore cameras (e.g., 1003A-B). For example, there is a change in pose ofthe face that includes the face tilting along the horizontal axis (e.g.,x-axis) such that portions of the top or bottom of the face or head thatwere not previously exposed to the one or more cameras become exposed tothe one or more cameras, such as occurs when a user nods their headwhile facing the one or more cameras. Further in such embodiments, thefirst modification factor is a neutral modification factor (e.g., amodification factor that does not affect the magnitude of the firstcomponent of change, a multiplier of 1) or an amplifying modificationfactor (e.g., a non-dampening modification factor, or a modificationfactor that, when applied to the magnitude of the first component ofchange, increases the magnitude, a multiplier greater than 1). In suchexamples, modifying the spatial position of the virtual avatar (e.g.,1000) within the frame of reference includes tilting the spatialposition of the virtual avatar around the horizontal axis by a magnitudeat least equal to the magnitude of the first component of change (e.g.,1013A-B). Modifying the spatial position of the virtual avatar, withoutdampening the modifications when the change in position of the user'sface is a tilting change around a horizontal axis, provides the userwith options for altering the spatial position (e.g., tiltingorientation around a horizontal axis) of the virtual avatar withoutrequiring displayed user interface control (e.g., touch control)elements. Providing additional control options without cluttering theuser interface with additional controls enhances the operability of thedevice making the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helpingthe user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some examples, detecting the change in position of the face withinthe field of view of the one or more cameras (e.g., 164, 602) includesdetecting a change in position of the face that includes the firstcomponent of change, the first component of change includes rotation ofthe face around a simulated z-axis (e.g., an axis that is perpendicularto the display) with respect to the field of view of the one or morecameras (e.g., 1005A-B). For example, there is a change in pose of theface that includes the face rotating around the perpendicular axis(e.g., z-axis), such as occurs when a user tilts their head to the sidewhile facing the one or more cameras. Further in such embodiments, thefirst modification factor is a neutral modification factor (e.g., amodification factor that does not affect the magnitude of the firstcomponent of change, a multiplier of 1) or an amplifying modificationfactor (e.g., a non-dampening modification factor, or a modificationfactor that, when applied to the magnitude of the first component ofchange, increases the magnitude, a multiplier greater than 1). In suchexamples, modifying the spatial position of the virtual avatar (e.g.,1000) within the frame of reference includes rotating the spatialposition of the virtual avatar around the simulated z-axis (e.g., theaxis that is perpendicular to the display) by a magnitude at least equalto the magnitude of the first component of change (e.g., 1015A-B).Modifying the spatial position of the virtual avatar, without dampeningthe modifications when the change in position of the user's face is arotational change around a z-axis, provides the user with options foraltering the spatial position (e.g., rotational orientation around az-axis) of the virtual avatar without requiring displayed user interfacecontrol (e.g., touch control) elements. Providing additional controloptions without cluttering the user interface with additional controlsenhances the operability of the device making the user-device interfacemore efficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide proper inputs andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some examples, detecting the change in position of the face withinthe field of view of the one or more cameras (e.g., 164, 602) includesdetecting a change in position of the face that includes the firstcomponent of change (e.g., 1006A-D, 1007A-B, 1008A-D) and the firstmodification factor is a multiplier applied to the magnitude of thefirst component of change, the multiplier having a value of less thanone. In such examples, modifying the spatial position of the virtualavatar (e.g., 1000) within the frame of reference includes modifying thespatial position of the virtual avatar by a magnitude less than themagnitude of the first component of change (e.g., 1016A-D, 1017A-D,1018A-D). In such examples, the magnitude of change is determined as apercentage change of position within the field of view of the one ormore cameras (e.g., for the face) or within the spatial frame ofreference (e.g., for the virtual avatar). For example, the spatialposition of the face may shift in the vertical direction by 60% of thefull vertical length of the field of view of the one or more cameras. Insome such embodiments, applying a dampening factor of 50% would resultin the spatial position of the virtual avatar shifting by 30% (e.g.,60%*0.5) of the full vertical length of the frame of reference (e.g.,the display area designated for display of the virtual avatar).Modifying the spatial position of the virtual avatar through use of amultiplier provides the user with options for amplifying changes to thespatial position of the virtual avatar without requiring displayed userinterface control (e.g., touch control) elements or more strenuouschanges in a detected physical feature. Providing additional controloptions without cluttering the user interface with additional controlsenhances the operability of the device making the user-device interfacemore efficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide proper inputs andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some examples, detecting the change in position of the face withinthe field of view of the one or more cameras (e.g., 164, 602) includesdetecting a change in position of the face that exceeds a thresholdvalue (e.g., 1006C-D). In such examples, the electronic device (e.g.,100, 300, 500, 600), in response detecting the change in position of theface that exceeds the threshold value, forgoes modifying the spatialposition of the virtual avatar (e.g., 1000) within the frame ofreference based on the change in position of the face within the fieldof view of the one or more cameras (e.g., 1016C-D). In some examples,changes in the position of the face (e.g., a change in the verticalposition, horizontal position, or depth position of the face) thatexceed a threshold value does not result in modifications (e.g.,changes) in the spatial position of the virtual avatar. In some suchembodiments, the spatial position of the virtual avatar is modifiedbased on the change in position of the face up until the point at whichthe change in position of the face exceeds the threshold value (e.g.,the position of the face moves outside of a valid zone (e.g., out of thefield of view of the one or more cameras, or outside of a designatedarea that is within the field of view of the one or more cameras)).After the change in position of the face exceeds the threshold value,the spatial position of the virtual avatar is no longer modified basedon the change in position of the face (e.g., the virtual avatar nolonger tracks or reflects motion of the face). Forgoing modifications tothe spatial position of the virtual avatar (e.g., maintaining anexisting spatial position of the virtual avatar) within the frame ofreference when the change in the position of the face exceeds athreshold value prevents the virtual avatar from exiting the frame ofreference. Performing an operation (e.g., maintaining the position ofthe virtual avatar) when a set of conditions has been met withoutrequiring further user input enhances the operability of the device andmakes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping theuser to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some examples, detecting the change in position of the face withinthe field of view of the one or more cameras (e.g., 164, 602) includesdetecting a change in position of the face that includes the firstcomponent of change and the second component of change, the firstcomponent of change includes movement of the face along a translationalaxis (e.g., along the x-, y-, or z-axis, shifting or translation of theface along an axis) within the field of view of the one or more cameras(e.g., 1006A-D, 1008A-D), the second component of change includesrotation of the face around a rotational axis (e.g., around the x-, y-,or z-axis, rotation of the face around an axis (such as caused bytwisting or tilting of the user's head)) within the field of view of theone or more cameras (e.g., 1003A-B, 1004A-D, 1005A-B), the firstmodification factor is a dampening factor (e.g., a fractional modifierthat, when applied to the magnitude of the first component of change,results in a lesser, modified magnitude value), and the secondmodification factor is not a dampening factor. In such examples,modifying the spatial position of the virtual avatar (e.g., 1000) withinthe frame of reference based on the magnitude of the first component ofchange and a first modification factor includes modifying the spatialposition, along the translational axis, by a magnitude less than themagnitude of the first component of change (e.g., 1013A-B, 1014A-D,1015A-B). Further in such examples, modifying the spatial position ofthe virtual avatar within the frame of reference based on the magnitudeof the second component of change and a second modification factorincludes modifying the spatial position, around the rotational axis, bya magnitude at least equal to the magnitude of the second component ofchange (e.g., 1013A-B, 1014A-D, 1015A-B). In some examples,translational (e.g., shifts along an axis) changes in position of theface are dampened (as applied to the virtual avatar), whereas rotationalchanges in the position of the face are not dampened. Doing so mayreduce the likelihood that the translational change would result in thevirtual avatar moving outside of a desired frame of reference. Incontrast, rotational changes need not be dampened as they typicallywould not result in the virtual avatar moving outside of the desiredframe of reference. Modifying the spatial position of the virtual avatarwithin the frame of reference differently for rotational changes of theface as compared to translational changes of the face provides the userwith an input-efficient method for dampening changes that can result insub-optimal positioning of the virtual avatar within the frame ofreference while affecting rotational changes that are less disruptive tothe positioning of the virtual avatar within the frame of reference.Performing an operation when a set of conditions has been met withoutrequiring further user input enhances the operability of the device andmakes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping theuser to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

Note that details of the processes described above with respect tomethod 2400 (e.g., FIG. 24) are also applicable in an analogous mannerto the methods described above and to method 2500, described below. Forexample, method 2400 optionally includes one or more of thecharacteristics of the various methods described below with reference tomethods 800, 900, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, and 2500. Forexample, the methods of generating, sending, and receiving animatedavatars in accordance with method 800 may employ virtual avatars (e.g.,avatars generated while reacting to changes in position of the user'sface) generated in accordance with method 2400. Similarly, virtualavatars and animated effects generated and/or modified in accordancemethod 2400 may be included in the displayed preview of a virtual avatarin a virtual avatar generation interface (e.g., 804, 904) of method 800or 900. For another example, virtual avatars (e.g., avatars generatedwhile reacting to changes in position of the user's face) generated inaccordance with method 2400 may also be generated in accordance with thevirtual avatar generation and modification methods of methods 800, 900,1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, and 2500. For example, a virtualavatar generated in accordance with method 2400 may include a firstavatar portion (e.g., 1034) that reacts differently than a second avatarportion (e.g., 1036) to changes in pose of a user's face differently,depending on the type of change in pose (e.g., 1810 and 1812).Similarly, a virtual avatar generated in accordance with method 2400 mayinclude an avatar feature (e.g., 1133) that reacts (e.g., 1904, 1910,1914) to changes in both first (e.g., 1122) and second (e.g., 1120A-B)physical features. For brevity, further examples are excluded.

FIG. 25 is a flow diagram illustrating a method, at an electronicdevice, for generating a virtual avatar based on a face detected by oneor more cameras in accordance with some embodiments. Method 2500 isperformed at an electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) with one ormore cameras (e.g., 164, 602) and a display apparatus (e.g., 112, 340,504, 601). Some operations in method 2500 are, optionally, combined, theorders of some operations are, optionally, changed, and some operationsare, optionally, omitted.

As described below, method 2500 provides an intuitive way for generatingvirtual avatars (e.g., virtual avatars with animated effects). Themethod reduces the cognitive burden on a user for generating virtualavatars, thereby creating a more efficient human-machine interface. Forbattery-operated computing devices, enabling a user to generate adesired virtual avatar faster and more efficiently conserves power andincreases the time between battery charges. Examples of method 2500 maybe found in the user interfaces and virtual avatars discussed withreference to FIGS. 11A-11C, 12A-12C, 14A-14D, 15A-15B, and 16A-16B.

The electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) displays (2502), viathe display apparatus (e.g., 112, 340, 504, 601) a virtual avatar (e.g.,1100, 1200, 1400, 1500, 1600). In some examples, the virtual avatar isreactive to changes in one or more physical features (e.g., 1120A-B,1122, 1123, 1229, 1225, 1420C-D, 1427, 1520A-B, 1527, 1620A-B, 1627) ofa face within a field of view of the one or more cameras (e.g., 164,602).

While displaying the virtual avatar (e.g., 1100, 1200, 1400, 1500,1600), the electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) detects (2504) afirst configuration of one or more physical features (e.g., 1120A-B,1122, 1123, 1229, 1225, 1420C-D, 1427, 1520A-B, 1527, 1620A-B, 1627) ofthe face (e.g., a facial configuration (e.g., an expression, adistinctive configuration of a collection of related facial muscles(e.g., a set of muscles that control movement of an eyebrow, includingthe currugator supercilii and the frontalis muscle) formed by aplurality of tracked physical features of the user's face). In someexamples, the configuration is the puckering of lips, a frown, a sneer,a grin, or a glower.

In some examples, the virtual avatar includes one or more avatarfeatures and, in response to detecting the first configuration of one ormore physical features of the face, the electronic device modifies atleast one of the one or more avatar features based on the firstconfiguration of the one or more physical features of the face.

While detecting the first configuration of one or more physical features(e.g., 1120A-B, 1122, 1123, 1229, 1225, 1420C-D, 1427, 1520A-B, 1527,1620A-B, 1627) of the face (2506), the electronic device (e.g., 100,300, 500, 600) can perform one or more of the following operations. Inaccordance with a determination that the first configuration of one ormore physical features satisfies animation criteria, the animationcriteria including a requirement that the first configuration ismaintained for at least a first threshold amount of time (e.g., thefacial expression is substantially maintained for a period of time(e.g., 0.5 seconds, 0.6 seconds, 1 second, 2 seconds) in order for theanimation criteria to be met), the electronic device modifies (2508) thevirtual avatar (e.g., 1100, 1200, 1400, 1500, 1600) to include a firstanimated effect. Such animated effects may include a visual effect suchas animated hearts (e.g., 1252, 1452, 1555, 1652) emitting from theavatar's lips (e.g., when the configuration is a puckering of the lips),a storm cloud (e.g., 1142, 1144) positioned above the avatar (e.g., whenthe configuration is a frown), laser beams (e.g., 1146) emitting fromthe avatar's eyes (e.g., when the configuration is a glower), or teardrops (e.g., 1140) emitting from the avatar's eyes (e.g., when theconfiguration is a sad expression). In accordance with the firstconfiguration of one or more physical features not satisfying theanimation criteria, the electronic device forgoes (2510) modification ofthe virtual avatar to include the first animated effect. Modifying thevirtual avatar to include a first animated effect based on satisfyinganimation criteria using the user's physical features provides the userwith options for controlling the generation of animated effects in avirtual avatar without requiring displayed user interface control (e.g.,touch control) elements. Providing additional control options withoutcluttering the user interface with additional controls enhances theoperability of the device making the user-device interface moreefficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide proper inputs andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some examples, the first animated effect (e.g., 1140, 1142, 1144,1146, 1252, 1452, 1555, 1652) includes the electronic device (e.g., 100,300, 500, 600) visually introducing (e.g., newly or initiallydisplaying) one or more virtual objects (e.g., hearts, storm clouds,lightning, tears, lasers) that are distinct (e.g., the virtual objectsdo not correspond to an anatomical feature of the virtual avatar) fromthe displayed virtual avatar (e.g., 1100, 1200, 1400, 1500, 1600).Visually introducing one or more virtual objects that are distinct fromthe displayed virtual avatar, based on satisfying animation criteriausing the user's physical features, provides the user with an efficientinput modality for adding distinct virtual objects to an existingvirtual avatar that does not require multiple inputs (e.g., touchinputs). Reducing the inputs needed to perform an operation enhances theoperability of the device making the user-device interface moreefficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide proper inputs andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently. In some examples, the virtual objects are animated heartsemitted from the avatar's lips (e.g., when the configuration is apuckering of the lips). In some examples, the virtual object is a stormcloud with, optionally, lightning positioned above the avatar (e.g.,when the configuration is a frown). In some examples, the virtualobjects are laser beams emitted from the avatar's eyes (e.g., when theconfiguration is a glower). In some examples, the virtual objects aretears emitted from the avatar's eyes (e.g., when the configuration is asad expression). In some examples, the virtual objects do notanatomically or physiological correspond to any feature of the facewithin the field of view of the one or more cameras). In some examples,the one or more virtual objects are introduced gradually (e.g., the oneor more virtual objects appear spaced apart over time, the one or moreobjects start out relatively small and then grow larger over time,and/or the one or more objects start out relatively transparent andgradually increase in opacity over time.

In some examples, modifying the virtual avatar (e.g., 1100, 1200, 1400,1500, 1600) to include the first animated effect (e.g., 1140, 1252,1452, 1555, 1652) further includes the electronic device (e.g., 100,300, 500, 600) displaying an animation of the one or more virtualobjects (e.g., 1140, 1252, 1452, 1555, 1652) moving relative to thevirtual avatar. In some examples, the movement of the one or moreobjects is randomized or otherwise varied (e.g., according topredetermined pattern) with respect to other virtual objects.

In some examples, animation of the one or more virtual objects (e.g.,1140, 1252, 1452, 1555, 1652) moving relative to the virtual avatarincludes the electronic device (e.g., 100, 300, 500, 600) displayinganimated movement of the one or more virtual objects from an originationlocation (e.g., the lips of the avatar) to a destination location. Insome examples, for each of the one or more virtual objects, thedestination location is assigned a position relative to the virtualavatar based on a distribution function (e.g., an algorithm thatrandomly or pseudo-randomly selects destinations for the one or morevirtual objects).

In some examples, the animation of the one or more virtual objects(e.g., 1252, 1452, 1555, 1652) moving relative to the virtual avatar(e.g., 1100, 1200, 1400, 1500, 1600) includes movement having adirection based on a displayed orientation of the virtual avatar. Forexample, if the virtual avatar is facing left, the objects move to theleft side of the avatar; if the virtual avatar is facing right, theobjects move to the right side of the avatar. Moving the virtual objectsbased on a displayed orientation of the virtual avatar provides the useras with feedback about the user's orientation (e.g., which controls theavatar's orientation), as it is being detected by the device. Provingimproved visual feedback to the user enhances the operability of thedevice and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., byhelping the user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakeswhen operating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some examples, the one or more virtual objects (e.g., 1140, 1252,1452, 1555, 1652) are a plurality of virtual objects emitted at timeintervals selected based on a distribution function (e.g., an algorithmthat randomly or pseudo-randomly selects times for the appearance of theone or more virtual objects).

In some examples, the first configuration of one or more physicalfeatures (e.g., 1120A-B, 1122, 1123, 1229, 1225, 1420C-D, 1427, 1520A-B,1527, 1620A-B, 1627) satisfies the animation criteria when the firstconfiguration of one or more physical features includes a firstpredetermined relative spatial positioning of two or more of thephysical features of the face (e.g., a first predetermined facialexpression identified by tracking the relative spatial positioning of aplurality of facial features) from a set of predetermined relativespatial positionings of two or more of the physical features of theface. Modifying the virtual avatar to include a first animated effectbased on satisfying animation criteria based on the relative spatialpositioning of two or more physical features provides the user withlow-error options for controlling the generation of animated effects ina virtual avatar without requiring displayed user interface control(e.g., touch control) elements. Providing additional control optionswithout cluttering the user interface with additional controls enhancesthe operability of the device making the user-device interface moreefficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide proper inputs andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

In some examples, the one or more virtual objects (e.g., 1140, 1142,1146, 1252, 1452, 1555, 1652) are determined based on the firstpredetermined relative spatial positioning. In some examples, theanimated effect includes displaying virtual objects that are selectedbased on the particular identified facial expression.

In some examples, the first predetermined relative spatial positioningof two or more of the physical features of the face correspond to (e.g.,anatomically correspond or are determined to be (e.g., viapattern-matching)) a pucker expression (e.g., 1229 and 1225, 1420C-D and1427, 1502A-B and 1527, 1620A-B and 1627) formed by at least a puckeringof upper and lower lips of the face and a closed jaw of the face, andthe one or more virtual objects include one or more hearts (e.g., 1252,1452, 1555, 1652).

In some examples, the first predetermined relative spatial positioningof two or more of the physical features of the face correspond to a sadexpression (e.g., 1120A-B) formed by at least a first corner and secondcorner of the mouth being lower than a middle portion of the mouth, andwherein the one or more virtual objects include one or more tears (e.g.,1140).

In some examples, the first predetermined relative spatial positioningof two or more of the physical features of the face correspond to afrown (e.g., 1120A-B and 1122) formed by at least two eyebrows of theface having a lowered position (e.g., a frown is detected when theuser's eyebrows have a position that is vertically displaced towards theuser's nose, when compared to a neutral, resting position of theeyebrows), and wherein the one or more virtual objects include one ormore storm clouds (e.g., 1142), which may optionally includeintermittent lightning strikes (e.g., 1144).

In some examples, the first predetermined relative spatial positioningof two or more of the physical features of the face correspond to aglower (e.g., 1103A-B) formed by at least a narrowing of two eyes of theface (e.g., the upper and lower eyelids of the user's eyes are movedslightly towards a closed position without actually closing the eyes),and wherein the one or more virtual objects include one or more laserbeams (e.g., 1146). In some examples, detecting a glower may alsoinclude detecting a raised position of the user's cheek muscles (e.g.,the zygomaticus).

In some examples, the virtual avatar (e.g., 1100, 1200, 1400, 1500,1600) corresponds to a first virtual avatar template (e.g., thetemplates for avatars 1100, 1200, 1400, 1500, 1600) of a plurality ofvirtual avatar templates (e.g., dog, cat, bear, robot, unicorn, alien,poo). For example, the virtual avatar template may include a virtualavatar model (e.g., a base model that may or may not include one or morevariations) that defines core characteristics of the virtual avatar suchas: included (or excluded) avatar features, avatar size, avatar color,and so forth. In some examples, a visual characteristic of the firstanimated effect is based on the first virtual avatar template. In otherwords, the visual characteristic of the first animated effect varies inaccordance with the avatar template such that the animated effectappears differently depending on the avatar template. In some examples,the avatar template corresponds to a robot and the animated effectincludes displaying virtual objects (e.g., hearts 1452) having ametallic appearance. In some examples, the avatar template correspondsto a unicorn and the animated effect includes displaying virtual objects(e.g., hearts 1555) having a rainbow-based appearance. In some examples,the avatar template corresponds to an alien and the animated effectincludes displaying virtual objects (e.g., hearts 1252) having a slimyappearance and texturing. Basing the virtual avatar on an avatartemplate (e.g., a template that defines core characteristics) providesthe user with an input-efficient method for defining characteristics ofthe virtual avatar. Performing an operation (e.g., defining the corecharacteristics of the virtual avatar) when a set of conditions has beenmet (e.g., a template is selected) without requiring further user inputenhances the operability of the device and makes the user-deviceinterface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide properinputs and reducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with thedevice) which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves batterylife of the device by enabling the user to use the device more quicklyand efficiently.

In some examples, after modifying the virtual avatar (e.g., 1100, 1200,1400, 1500, 1600) to include the first animated effect (e.g., 1140,1252, 1452, 1555, 1652) and in accordance with a determination that thefirst configuration of one or more physical features satisfiesadditional animation criteria, the additional animation criteriaincluding a requirement that the first configuration is maintained forat least a second threshold amount of time after modifying the virtualavatar to include the first animated effect (e.g., the facial expressionis substantially maintained for a period of time (e.g., 0.3 seconds, 0.6seconds, 1 second, etc.) after modifying the virtual avatar to includethe first animated effect (e.g., generating an animated heart, stormcloud, laser beam, etc.) in order for the additional animation criteriato be met), the electronic device modifies the virtual avatar to includea second animated effect (e.g., a second animated effect that can bebased on the first animated effect). In some examples, the secondanimated effect includes sustaining, or repeating, the first animatedeffect. In some examples, the second animated effect is a variation ofthe first animated effect (e.g., larger or more frequent versions of thevirtual objects displayed as part of the first animated effect).Modifying the virtual avatar to include a second animated effect basedon satisfying additional animation criteria using the user's physicalfeatures provides the user with options for controlling the generationof additional animated effects in a virtual avatar without requiringdisplayed user interface control (e.g., touch control) elements.Providing additional control options without cluttering the userinterface with additional controls enhances the operability of thedevice making the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helpingthe user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some examples where the first configuration of one or more physicalfeatures (e.g., 1520A-B and 1527) satisfies animation criteria and theavatar is modified to include the first animated effect, while detectingthe first configuration of one or more physical features of the face,the electronic device detects a change in a first physical feature ofthe face (e.g., physical feature that is not a physical feature that ispart of the first configuration of one or more physical features). Insome examples, in response to detecting the change in the first physicalfeature of the face that satisfies the animation criteria, theelectronic device modifies a first avatar feature (e.g., 1538) based onthe change in the first physical feature of the face (e.g., 1522). Insome examples, the animation criteria includes an assessment based onless than all of the tracked features of the users face. For example,the animation criteria may only be based on portions of the user's mouthand eyes. Accordingly, the animation criteria may be satisfied even ifphysical features (e.g., the user's eyebrows) that are not assessed bythe animation feature move (e.g., are not maintained in position).Example modifications of avatar features based on changes in physicalfeatures of a face are described in greater detail above with referenceto methods 1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, and 2400. Providingoptions for a user to modify a first avatar feature based on changes ina first physical feature, while satisfying animation criteria to includea first animated effect (e.g., using a set of different physicalfeatures), provides the user with options for controlling the generationof a virtual avatar without requiring displayed user interface control(e.g., touch control) elements. Providing additional control optionswithout cluttering the user interface with additional controls enhancesthe operability of the device making the user-device interface moreefficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide proper inputs andreducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with the device)which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves battery life ofthe device by enabling the user to use the device more quickly andefficiently.

Note that details of the processes described above with respect tomethod 2500 (e.g., FIG. 25) are also applicable in an analogous mannerto the methods described above. For example, method 2500 optionallyincludes one or more of the characteristics of the various methodsdescribed below with reference to methods 800, 900, 1800, 1900, 2000,2100, 2200, 2300, and 2400. For example, the methods of generating,sending, and receiving animated avatars in accordance with method 800and 900 may employ virtual avatars and animated effects generated inaccordance with method 2500. Similarly, virtual avatars and animatedeffects generated and/or modified in accordance with method 2500 may beincluded in the displayed preview of a virtual avatar in a virtualavatar generation interface (e.g., 804, 904) of method 800 or 900. Foranother example, virtual avatars (e.g., with animated effects) generatedin accordance with method 2500 may also be generated further inaccordance with the virtual avatar generation and modification methodsof methods 800, 900, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200. For example, avirtual avatar generated in accordance with method 2500 may include afirst avatar portion (e.g., 1034) that reacts differently than a secondavatar portion (e.g., 1036) to changes in pose of a user's facedifferently, depending on the type of change in pose (e.g., 1810 and1812). Similarly, a virtual avatar generated in accordance with method2500 may include an avatar feature (e.g., 1133) that reacts (e.g., 1904,1910, 1914) to changes in both first (e.g., 1122) and second (e.g.,1120A-B) physical feature. For brevity, further examples are excluded.

As previously mentioned above in paragraphs [0200] and [0237], in someembodiments, the electronic device modifies the displayed virtual avatarafter the user's face is no longer detected in the field of view of thecamera (e.g., 602) (e.g. camera module 143, optical sensor 164, depthcamera sensor 175). FIGS. 26A-26D illustrate such an embodiment in whichthe device (e.g., 600) continues to modify the displayed appearance ofthe virtual avatar after the user's face is no longer detected in thefield of view of the camera (e.g., camera 602) (e.g., camera module 143,optical sensor 164, depth camera sensor 175).

FIGS. 26A-26D illustrate exemplary user inputs and corresponding changesto an exemplary virtual avatar (e.g., dog avatar). The images in theleft columns of FIGS. 26A-26D represent images of a user as detected bythe electronic device when the user is within the field of view of oneor more cameras (e.g., camera 602) (e.g., camera module 143, opticalsensor 164, depth camera sensor 175) and/or other sensors (e.g.,infrared sensors). In other words, the images of the user are from theperspective of the camera (e.g., camera 602) (e.g., camera module 143,optical sensor 164, depth camera sensor 175), which may be positioned onthe electronic device (e.g., device 100, 300, and 500) in someembodiments and, in other embodiments, may be positioned separate fromthe electronic device (e.g., an external camera or sensor passing datato the electronic device). In some embodiments, the borders of theimages in the left columns of FIGS. 26A-26D represent the boundaries ofthe field of view of the one or more cameras (e.g., 602) (e.g., cameramodule 143, optical sensor 164, depth camera sensor 175) and/or othersensors (e.g., infrared sensors).

The images in the middle columns of FIGS. 26A-26D illustrate a referenceavatar (e.g., dog avatar) that represents an appearance of a virtualavatar corresponding to detected images of the user located in the leftcolumn, for a hypothetical scenario in which the device continues totrack the user's face for all movement in the left columns (e.g., facetracking does not fail). The reference avatar is shown from theperspective of a user viewing the reference avatar. In some embodiments,the images in the middle columns of FIGS. 26A-26D represent a positionof the reference avatar within a display region of the display of theelectronic device (e.g., touch screen 112, display 340, display 450,display 504), and the borders of the images in the middle columns ofFIGS. 26A-26D represent the boundaries of the display region thatincludes the reference avatar. In some embodiments, the display regionrepresented in the middle columns corresponds to an avatar displayregion of an application user interface, such as virtual avatarinterface 643, message composition area 612, message area 609 (or aportion thereof) discussed above.

The images in the right columns of FIGS. 26A-26D illustrate virtualavatar 2600 (e.g., dog avatar) in a state that is presented (e.g.,displayed after being modified) based on some of the detected images ofthe user located in the left column, for a scenario in which the devicefails to track the user's face for a portion of the movement in the leftcolumns (e.g., face tracking fails). In some embodiments, the virtualavatar is shown from the perspective of a user viewing the virtualavatar. In some embodiments, the virtual avatar is displayed on thedisplay of the electronic device (e.g., touch screen 112, display 340,display 450, display 504). In some embodiments, the virtual avatar istransmitted to an external electronic device for display. In someembodiments, the images in the right columns of FIGS. 26A-26D representa position of the virtual avatar within a display region of the displayof the electronic device (e.g., touch screen 112, display 340, display450, display 504), and the borders of the images in the right columns ofFIGS. 26A-26D represent the boundaries of the display region thatincludes the virtual avatar. In some embodiments, the display regionrepresented in the right columns corresponds to an avatar display regionof an application user interface, such as virtual avatar interface 643,message composition area 612, message area 609 (or a portion thereof)discussed above.

FIG. 26A illustrates an example of inertial movement of the displayedvirtual avatar 2600 after face tracking is lost. The column on the leftshows the user's movement in various states (e.g., 2601A-2601D). Thecolumn on the right shows the modifications the device makes to thevirtual avatar in various states (e.g., 2603A-2603D) for a period inwhich the device tracks the user's face (e.g., states 2603A and 2603B),and then when the device no longer tracks the user's face (e.g., states2603C and 2603D). For reference, the middle column illustrates states2602A-2602D of a reference avatar representing what the virtual avatarin the right column would look like if face tracking did not fail.

In state 2601A, the user is positioned in the center of the field ofview with their head 2604 facing forward and having a neutral facialexpression (e.g., the user's mouth 2606 has a neutral pose as describedin other embodiments provided herein). In state 2602A, the referenceavatar's head 2614′ is centered in the bordered region with ears 2618′resting along the sides of the reference avatar's head, and a mouth2616′ having a neutral pose matching that of the user. In state 2603A,the device detects the user's head 2604 and mouth 2606 in the field ofview of the camera and having the positions shown in state 2601A.Accordingly, the device displays the dog avatar having head 2614, mouth2616, and ears 2618 having the same positions as the correspondingfeatures of reference avatar in state 2602A.

In state 2601B, the user is moved higher within the field of view of thecamera, and is beginning to turn his head to his left (e.g., the user'shead 2604 is positioned higher than in state 2601A and is slightlyrotated to the right from the camera's perspective), while movingslightly beyond the field of view of the camera. At the same time, theuser is starting to smile (e.g., the user's mouth 2606 is moving to asmiling position and, in state 2601B, the user's mouth is shown slightlyraised (as the user is beginning to smile)). In state 2602B, thereference avatar's head 2614′ is moved higher within the bordered regionthan in state 2602A (e.g., to match the vertical position of the user'shead 2604 in state 2601B), and is slightly rotated to the left (from theuser's perspective) while shifting to the edge of border 2605 torepresent the movement of the user's head in state 2601B. As thereference avatar rotates its head 2614′, the ears 2618′ sway slightlywith the rotation of the head in accordance with a physics modelassociated with the ears 2618′. The reference avatar's mouth 2616′ isturned up to a slight smile, matching the movement and position of theuser's mouth 2606 in state 2601B. In state 2603B, the device detects theuser's head 2604 and mouth 2606 in the field of view of the camera andhaving the positions shown in state 2601B. Accordingly, state 2603Bshows the device displaying the dog avatar having the same position asthe reference avatar in state 2602B.

In state 2601C, the user quickly turns his head 2604 to face forward andchanges his mouth 2606 into a frowning expression (e.g., the user'smouth is turned down into a frown). In state 2602C, the referenceavatar's head quickly rotates forward to match the rotation of theuser's head. The reference avatar's ears 2618′ swing out in accordancewith the physics of the quick rotation of reference avatar's head 2614′.The reference avatar's mouth 2616′ transitions from a slight smile to afrowning expression matching that of the user.

In state 2603C, the device no longer detects the user in the field ofview of the camera. Accordingly, the device continues to modify the dogavatar based on the previously detected state of the user (e.g., state2601B). For example, because the device last detected the user turninghis head to his left, the device continues to modify the rotation of thedog's head 2614 so that it continues to turn based on the previouslydetected leftward turning of the user's head in state 2601B. In someembodiments, the device also decreases the rate of rotation for thedog's head 2614 so that the head gradually slows to a resting positionturned to the avatar's right, and the dog's ears 2618 slightly movebased on the physics of the gradual slowing of the dog's head 2614. Inaddition, the device last detected the user moving vertically in thefield of view of the camera and, therefore, continues to modify the dogavatar's head 2614 so that it moves in the vertical position that wasdetected for the user. In some embodiments, the device also decreasesthe rate at which the dog's head 2614 continues to move vertically sothat it gradually slows to a resting position. The device last detectedthe user's mouth 2606 moving from a neutral position to a slight smile.Therefore, the device modifies the dog avatar's mouth 2616 so that itcontinues with the smiling motion to achieve the smiling expressionshown in state 2603C (e.g., having a larger smile than the slight smileshown in state 2603B). In some embodiments, the device decreases therate at which the dog's mouth 2616 changes so that is gradually slows toa resting, smiling position.

In some embodiments, different avatar features change at different ratesand/or magnitudes after face tracking fails. For example, the avatarhead 2614 may continue to rotate at a faster rate than the rate at whichthe avatar mouth 2616 continues to change after face tracking fails. Asanother example, the magnitude of the change in the avatar head 2614 maybe greater than the magnitude of the change in the avatar mouth 2616after face tracking fails.

In state 2601D, the user remains in the same position as in 2601C. Instate 2602D, the reference avatar's ears 2618′ settle to a restingposition after moving as shown in state 2602C. In state 2603D, thedevice still does not detect the user. The device modifies the dog'sears 2618 so that they settle to a resting position because movement ofthe other avatar features has stopped. In some embodiments, the deviceno longer modifies the dog avatar (e.g., does not continue rotating thedog avatar's head to the right or continue increasing the dog avatar'ssmile) because the modified avatar features have reached a limit on theamount they are modified after the user is not detected in the field ofview of the camera. In some embodiments, the device limits the finalchanged position of a feature (after face tracking is lost) so that thefeature does not become overly exaggerated. For example, the dog's mouth2616 may be limited so that, after face tracking fails, the smile doesnot exceed the smiling pose shown in state 2603D. As another example,the changed position of the head 2614 may be limited so that the avatarhead 2614 cannot turn around backwards. In some embodiments, the limiton the final changed position of a feature after face tracking is lostis set as a predefined cap on the range of motion for which a modifiedavatar feature can be changed. In some embodiments, the limit on thefinal changed position of a feature after face tracking is lost is setas a scaled value of the change detected for the corresponding featureof the user at a moment before face tracking failed. In someembodiments, the limit on the final changed position of a feature, afterface tracking is lost, is determined so as to avoid triggeringexaggerated facial expressions. For example, if the virtual avatar is analien avatar (e.g., such as that discussed herein) and the changingavatar feature is eyebrows or cheeks, movement of the avatar eyebrows orcheeks may be limited, after facial tracking fails, to a range of motionthat does not invoke the displayed spikes on the alien's head or cheeks.

FIG. 26B illustrates an example of modifying the virtual avatar 2600after face tracking resumes within a threshold amount of time (e.g.,less than 1.5 seconds after face tracking failed). In this embodiment,the device detects the user again and modifies the virtual avatar toresume tracking of the detected user. For example, in state 2601E, theuser remains in the position shown in state 2601D. In state 2602E, thereference avatar remains in the position shown in state 2602D. In state2603E, the modified virtual avatar is in the position shown in state2603D. State 2603E is a state of the displayed, modified virtual avatara moment before face tracking resumes.

In states 2601F and 2601G, the user's head 2604 has shifted down in thefield of view of the camera and back to the center of the field of view,while the user's mouth 2606 maintains the frowning facial expression. Instates 2602F and 2602G, the reference avatar in the middle column shiftsdown to match the position of the user while maintaining the frowningexpression. In state 2603F, the device now detects the user, and beginsto modify the displayed virtual avatar based on the detected appearanceof the user in state 2601F. The modification to the dog avatar is shownin states 2603F and 2603G, with state 2603F being a transitory statebetween the displayed appearance of the avatar in state 2603E and thefinal displayed appearance of the avatar in state 2603G. Specifically,the device modifies the dog avatar's mouth 2616 so that it transitionsfrom the large smile in state 2603E to a frown shown in 2603G, with anintermediate position shown in state 2603F. Additionally, the devicemodifies the orientation and position of the dog avatar's head 2614 tomatch that of the user. For example, the device moves the position ofthe dog avatar's head 2614 from the top left corner of the borderedregion in state 2603E, to the lower position shown in state 2603G, withan intermediate position shown in state 2603F. Similarly, the devicerotates the avatar's head 2614 from the sideways orientation in state2603E to the front-facing orientation shown in state 2603G, with anintermediate position shown in state 2603F.

In some embodiments, the physics of various avatar features are dampenedwhen face tracking resumes. For example, as shown in FIG. 26B, theavatar's ears 2618 do not move (or move slightly) in state 2603F so thatthe reacquisition of the user's face in the field of view, and thesubsequent modification of the virtual avatar, does not cause a drasticmovement of the avatar's ears 2618, which would exacerbate the motionsof the virtual avatar's features and impede the smooth transitioningeffect that is achieved with the modification technique disclosedherein.

FIG. 26C illustrates an example of modifying the virtual avatar 2600after face tracking fails to resume within a threshold amount of time(e.g., less than 1.5 seconds after face tracking failed). In thisembodiment, the device modifies the avatar so that it prompts the userto return to the field of view of the camera and displays an animationof the virtual avatar moving to a predetermined position in the middleof the display region (e.g., re-centering) and transitioning to aneutral pose.

In states 2601H-2601J, the user is positioned partially outside thefield of view of the camera at a top right corner of the bordered regionand with a frowning facial expression. In states 2602H-2602J, thereference avatar is positioned in the top left corner of the borderedregion, and having a frowning expression, to represent the position andfacial expression of the user. In states 2603H-2603J, the device doesnot detect the user in the field of view of the camera.

In state 2603H, the device determines that the user has not beendetected in the field of view of the camera for the threshold amount oftime and modifies the displayed avatar (having the position describedabove in state 2603D) to include a displayed prompt instructing the userto position their head in the field of view of the camera. In someembodiments, the prompt includes a frame 2620 positioned in the centerof the border region and a message 2622 instructing the user to positiontheir head in the field of view of the camera. As shown in states 2603Iand 2603H, the device also modifies the virtual avatar to transitionfrom the modified position of state 2603H, to a centered position withinthe frame 2620. In state 2603J, the virtual avatar is shown in thecenter of frame 2620 and having a neutral expression. State 2603I showsa transitory state of the virtual avatar as it is displayed moving fromthe appearance in state 2603H to the appearance in state 2603J. In thetransitory state in state 2603I, the virtual avatar's head 2614 isrotating from the sideways position in state 2603H to a slightlyforward-facing state, and the avatar's mouth 2616 is shown transitioningfrom the large smile in state 2603H to a slight smile in state 2603I, asit transitions to the neutral state in state 2603J.

In some embodiments, the device dampens the physics of avatar featuresas the avatar transitions from the appearance in state 2603H to theappearance in state 2603J. For example, in state 2603I, the avatar'sears 2618 do not move (or move slightly) as the avatar is displayedtransitioning from the appearance in state 2603H to the appearance instate 2603J.

FIG. 26D illustrates an example of modifying the virtual avatar 2600 toresume face tracking after failing to detect a face for more than thethreshold amount of time. After the device again detects the user in thefield of view of the camera, the device modifies the virtual avatar toresume tracking of the detected user.

In states 2601K-2601M, the user's head 2604 is positioned low in thefield of view of the camera and shifted to the user's right with hishead turned to his right and smiling widely. In states 2602K-2602M, thereference avatar is positioned down and to the right in the borderregion and having a head 2614′ turned to the left to match the user'sappearance. The reference avatar's mouth 2616′ is a large smile matchingthe user's mouth 2606. In state 2603K, the device is determining thatthe user is entering the field of view of the camera and, therefore,displays the virtual avatar having the appearance discussed above withrespect to state 2603J, but with a solid frame 2620-1 displayed aroundthe virtual avatar 2600.

In some embodiments, after the device determines the user is positionedin the field of view of the camera, the device modifies the avatar 2600as a gradual transition from the neutral pose in state 2603K, to anappearance that represents the detected pose of the user. This gradualtransition can be displayed as the avatar 2600 changing from anappearance shown in state 2603K to an appearance shown in state 2603M(e.g., avatar 2600 is positioned down and to the right in the borderregion and having a head 2614 turned to the left to match the user'srotated head 2606 and mouth 2616 is a large smile matching the user'smouth 2606), with a transitory appearance shown in state 2603L (e.g.,the avatar 2600 is positioned slightly down and slightly to the right,the head is turned slightly, and the mouth 2616 is transitioning from aneutral pose to a large smile). In some embodiments, after the devicedetermines the user is positioned in the field of view of the camera,the device modifies the virtual avatar 2600 to transition directly tothe appearance representing the detected state of the user. In otherwords, the device modifies the avatar to appear as the state shown in2603M, without displaying the gradual transition (e.g., the transitorystate shown in state 2603L).

In some embodiments, when the device modifies the virtual avatar 2600after face tracking resumes from the lost tracking embodiment shown inFIG. 26C, the device dampens the physics of various avatar features toavoid a visual effect where the avatar features abruptly move based on arapid movement of the avatar to a new displayed position matching theuser's newly detected state. For example, as shown in state 2603L, theavatar's ears 2618 do not move (or move slightly) when the avatar 2600is transitioning to the appearance shown in state 2603M. In someembodiments, these physics are enabled again after the avatar is updatedto reflect the appearance of the user (e.g., shown in state 2603M) andface tracking resumes. In some embodiments, the physics are graduallyenabled after the avatar is updated by gradually increasing a gain valueor other scaling factor for physics-based animations over time (e.g.,incrementally increasing the scaling factor from a small number such as0 to a larger number such as 1) so as to avoid a jarring transitionwhere physics based animation for avatar features is enabled suddenly.

In some embodiments, a displayed representation of a virtual avatar caninclude a display of the virtual avatar on image data (e.g., image dataincluding depth data, for example, a live camera preview, a capturedimage, or a recorded video), including a representation of a subjectpositioned within a field of view of a camera (e.g., camera 602) and abackground. FIGS. 26E-26H illustrate an example of such an embodiment.

FIG. 26E shows device 600 having display 601 and camera 602. Device 600displays an image display region 2630 presenting a live camera preview2630-1 from camera 602 showing a representation of subject 2632positioned in the field-of-view of camera 602 and background 2636displayed behind subject 2632. As discussed herein, image data capturedusing camera 602 includes, in some embodiments, depth data that can beused to determine a depth of objects in the field-of-view of camera 602.In some embodiments, device 600 parses objects (e.g., in image data)based on a detected depth of those objects, and uses this determinationto apply the visual effects (e.g., virtual avatars) discussed herein.For example, device 600 can categorize subject 2632 as being in theforeground of the live camera preview 2630-1 and objects positionedbehind the user as being in the background of the live camera preview2630-1. These background objects are referred to generally as background2636.

As shown in FIG. 26F, virtual avatar 2633 can be displayed on therepresentation of subject 2632 (e.g., on the subject's face).Specifically, the virtual avatar is transposed onto the face of thesubject in the image display region 2630, while other portions of theimage in image display region (such as a background or other portions ofthe user, such as their body) remain displayed. A user (e.g., subject2632) positioned in the field-of-view of camera 602 can control visualaspects of the virtual avatar by changing the pose (e.g., rotation ororientation) of their face, including moving various facial features(e.g., winking, sticking out their tongue, smiling, etc.) as discussedin greater detail herein. For example, FIG. 26G shows the virtual avatar2633 tilting its head in response to device 600 detecting movement ofthe user's head in the field of view of camera 602. Similarly, FIG. 26Hshows device 600 modifying the virtual avatar's facial features (e.g.,mouth 2634) in response to detecting a change in the physical featuresof the user's face (e.g., the user's mouth).

In some embodiments, if device 600 fails to detect the user's face inthe field of view of camera 602, device 600 can modify the virtualavatar (e.g., 2633) as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 26A-26D,while, optionally, maintaining the display of subject 2632 andbackground 2636. For example, device 600 can modify virtual avatar 2633to exhibit inertial movement based on the last detected movement of theuser's face as discussed above with respect to FIG. 26A. If device 600detects the user's face in the field of view of camera 602 within athreshold amount of time, device 600 can modify virtual avatar 2633 asdiscussed above with respect to FIG. 26B. If device 600 fails to detectthe user's face in the field of view of camera 602 within the thresholdamount of time, device 600 can modify virtual avatar 2633 as discussedabove with respect to FIG. 26C. In some embodiments, such modificationscan include applying a blurring visual effect to obscure the subject2632 and background 2636 when face tracking is lost. If device 600detects the user's face in the field of view of camera 602 afterpreviously failing to detect the face for the threshold period of time,device 600 can modify virtual avatar 2633 as discussed above withrespect to FIG. 26D.

FIG. 27 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for generating andmodifying a virtual avatar after face tracking fails using an electronicdevice in accordance with some embodiments. Method 2700 is performed ata device (e.g., 100, 300, 500) with one or more cameras and a display.Some operations in method 2700 are, optionally, combined, the orders ofsome operations are, optionally, changed, and some operations are,optionally, omitted.

As described below, method 700 provides an intuitive way for generatingand modifying a virtual avatar after face tracking fails. The methodreduces the cognitive burden on a user for generating and modifying avirtual avatar after face tracking fails, thereby creating a moreefficient human-machine interface. For battery-operated computingdevices, enabling a user to generate and modify a virtual avatar afterface tracking fails faster and more efficiently conserves power andincreases the time between battery charges.

The electronic device (e.g., 600) displays (2702), via the displayapparatus (e.g., 601), a virtual avatar (e.g., 2600), having a pluralityof avatar features (e.g., 2614, 2616, 2618, a facial feature (e.g.,eyes, mouth, part of mouth) or macro feature (e.g., head, neck)), thatchanges appearance in response to detected changes in pose (e.g.,orientation, translation) (e.g., a change in a facial expression) of aface in a field of view of the one or more cameras, the face including aplurality of detected facial features, including a first facial feature(e.g., 2604, a head, a mouth, or a part of a mouth).

In some embodiments, displaying the virtual avatar (e.g., 2633) includesdisplaying, via the display apparatus (e.g., 601), a representation of asubject (e.g., 2632, a person in the field of view of the one or morecameras; e.g., a subject that corresponds to the face in the field ofview) and a background (e.g., 2636, objects in the field of view of theone or more cameras other than the subject) positioned in the field ofview of the one or more cameras (e.g., 602), wherein the virtual avataris displayed on the representation of the subject (e.g., a displayedhead or face portion of the subject (user) is replaced with (or overlaidby (e.g., opaquely, transparently, translucently)) a head of a virtualavatar). In some embodiments, the virtual avatar displayed on thesubject is responsive to detected changes in the subject's head and facesuch that a change in the subject's head or face effects a change in thedisplayed virtual avatar while still displaying the background. In someembodiments, the position of the virtual avatar on the subject's head isdetermined using depth data in the image (e.g., image data that includesa depth aspect (e.g., depth data independent of RGB data) of a capturedimage or video). In some embodiments, the image data includes at leasttwo components: an RGB component that encodes the visual characteristicsof a captured image, and depth data that encodes information about therelative spacing relationship of elements within the captured image(e.g., the depth data encodes that a user is in the foreground, andbackground elements, such as a tree positioned behind the user, are inthe background). In some embodiments, the depth data is a depth map. Insome embodiments, a depth map (e.g., depth map image) containsinformation (e.g., values) that relates to the distance of objects in ascene from a viewpoint (e.g., a camera). In one embodiment of a depthmap, each depth pixel defines the position in the viewpoint's Z-axiswhere its corresponding two-dimensional pixel is located. In someexamples, a depth map is composed of pixels wherein each pixel isdefined by a value (e.g., 0-255). For example, the “0” value representspixels that are located at the most distant place in a “threedimensional” scene and the “255” value represents pixels that arelocated closest to a viewpoint (e.g., camera) in the “three dimensional”scene. In other examples, a depth map represents the distance between anobject in a scene and the plane of the viewpoint.) In some embodiments,the depth map includes information about the relative depth of variousfeatures of an object of interest in view of the depth camera (e.g., therelative depth of eyes, nose, mouth, ears of a user's face). In someembodiments, the depth map includes information that enables the deviceto determine contours of the object of interest in a z direction. Insome embodiments, the depth data has a second depth component (e.g., asecond portion of depth data that encodes a spatial position of thebackground in the camera display region; a plurality of depth pixelsthat form a discrete portion of the depth map, such as a background),separate from the first depth component, the second depth aspectincluding the representation of the background in the camera displayregion. In some embodiments, the first depth aspect and second depthaspect are used to determine a spatial relationship between the subjectin the camera display region and the background in the camera displayregion. This spatial relationship can be used to distinguish the subjectfrom the background. This distinction can be exploited to, for example,apply different visual effects (e.g., visual effects having a depthcomponent) to the subject and background. In some embodiments, all areasof the image data that do not correspond to the first depth component(e.g., areas of the image data that are out of range of the depthcamera) are segmented out (e.g., excluded) from the depth map.

Displaying the virtual avatar on the representation of the subject and abackground positioned in the field of view of the one or more camerasallows the user to quickly recognize whether the placement of thesubject and background objects within the camera's field of view areoptimal for the applied virtual avatar and enables the user to see whichportions of an image would include the virtual avatar and which portionswould not include the virtual avatar, if the image were to be captured.Performing an optimized operation when a set of conditions has been metwithout requiring further user input enhances the operability of thedevice and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., byhelping the user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakeswhen operating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

After the face was detected in the field of view of the one or morecameras with a first change in pose (e.g., 2601B, last detected changein pose for one or more facial features prior to loss of detection; anaverage of a plurality of detected change in poses for the one or morefacial features), the first change in pose including a change to thefirst facial feature (e.g., 2604, a direction of change of a facialfeature or a set of facial features), the electronic device (e.g., 600)determines (2704) that tracking of the face in the field of view of theone or more cameras (e.g., 602) has failed (e.g., because the face is nolonger within the field of view of the one or more cameras, the featuresof the face that the device was using to track the face are obscured, orthe device has otherwise failed to be able to track the face).

In response to determining that tracking of the face in the field ofview of the one or more cameras (e.g., 602) has failed, the electronicdevice (e.g., 600) updates (2706) an appearance of a first avatarfeature (e.g., 2614) of the plurality of avatar features after trackingof the face failed, wherein the appearance of the first avatar featureis updated based on change characteristics (e.g., an amplitude and/ordirection of the change) of the first facial feature (e.g., 2604) thatwere detected prior to (e.g., immediately prior to or during a timeperiod just prior to) determining that tracking of the face has failed.In some embodiments, updating the appearance of the first avatar featureincludes one or more of the embodiments below. Updating an appearance ofa first avatar feature after tracking of the face failed, based onchange characteristics of the first facial feature that were detectedprior to determining that tracking of the face has failed, provides theuser with more control over the device by allowing the user to continuethe process for modifying a virtual avatar, even when face tracking hasfailed. Providing additional control of the device without clutteringthe UI with additional displayed controls enhances the operability ofthe device and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., byhelping the user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakeswhen operating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In accordance with a determination that the first facial feature (e.g.,2604) had first change characteristics prior to detecting that trackingof the face failed (e.g., 2601B, the face was moving in a firstdirection; e.g., the user's head turning to the left), updating theappearance of the first avatar feature (e.g., updating the angle of anavatar head (e.g., 2614)) of the virtual avatar (e.g., 2600) to a firstappearance that is different from an appearance of the avatar whentracking of the face failed (e.g., from the appearance of avatar 2600 instate 2603B to the appearance in state 2603C). Updating an appearance ofa first avatar feature to a first appearance that is different from anappearance of the avatar after tracking of the face failed provides theuser with more control over the device by allowing the user to continuethe process for modifying a virtual avatar, even when face tracking hasfailed. Providing additional control of the device without clutteringthe UI with additional displayed controls enhances the operability ofthe device and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., byhelping the user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakeswhen operating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In accordance with a determination that the first facial feature hadsecond change characteristics, different from the first changecharacteristics prior to detecting that tracking of the face failed(e.g., the face was moving in a second direction different than thefirst direction; e.g., user's head turning to the right), updating theappearance of the first avatar feature of the virtual avatar to a secondappearance that is different from the appearance of the avatar whentracking of the face failed and different from the first appearance.Updating an appearance of a first avatar feature to a second appearancethat is different from an appearance of the avatar after tracking of theface failed, and different from the first appearance, provides the userwith more control over the device by allowing the user to continue theprocess for modifying a virtual avatar, even when face tracking hasfailed. Providing additional control of the device without clutteringthe UI with additional displayed controls enhances the operability ofthe device and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., byhelping the user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakeswhen operating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, in accordance with a determination that the firstchange characteristics include a first changed direction of the firstfacial feature (e.g., the user's head turns to the left), updating theappearance of the first avatar feature (e.g., 2614) to the firstappearance includes updating the appearance of the first avatar featurebased on the first changed direction of the first facial feature (e.g.,updating the angle of the avatar's head based on the leftward turn ofthe user's head; e.g., updating the avatar in a mirrored direction(e.g., when the user's head turns to the user's left, the avatar turnsto the avatar's right)). Updating an appearance of a first avatarfeature based on the first changed direction of the first facial featuregives visual feedback to the user that changes to the virtual avatar,when face tracking is lost, are based, at least in part, on thedirection of movement of the first avatar feature previously detected inthe field of view of the camera. Providing improved visual feedback tothe user enhances the operability of the device and makes theuser-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user toprovide proper inputs and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, in accordance with a determination that the firstchange characteristics include a second changed direction of the firstfacial feature (e.g., 2604, different from the first changed direction(e.g., the user's head turns to the right), updating the appearance ofthe first avatar feature to the second appearance includes updating theappearance of the first avatar feature (e.g., 2614) based on the secondchanged direction of the first facial feature (e.g., updating the angleof the avatar's head based on the rightward turn of the user's head).Updating the appearance of the first avatar to the second appearancebased on the second changed direction of the first facial feature givesvisual feedback to the user that changes to the virtual avatar, whenface tracking is lost, are based, at least in part, on the direction ofmovement of the first avatar feature previously detected in the field ofview of the camera. Providing improved visual feedback to the userenhances the operability of the device and makes the user-deviceinterface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide properinputs and reducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with thedevice) which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves batterylife of the device by enabling the user to use the device more quicklyand efficiently.

In some embodiments, in accordance with a determination that the firstchange characteristics include a first magnitude of change of the firstfacial feature (e.g., 2604) (e.g., the user's head rotates 75 degrees;e.g., shifting the user's head to the left by 5 inches; increasing thediameter of the user's mouth by 20%), updating the appearance of thefirst avatar feature (e.g., 2614) to the first appearance includesupdating the appearance of the first avatar feature based on the firstmagnitude of change of the first facial feature (e.g., updating theangle of the avatar's head based on the 75 degrees of rotation of theuser's head; shifting the position of the avatar's head by 5 inches(scaled); increasing the diameter of the avatar's mouth by 20%).Updating an appearance of a first avatar feature based on the firstmagnitude of change of the first facial feature gives visual feedback tothe user that changes to the virtual avatar, when face tracking is lost,are based, at least in part, on the magnitude of movement of the firstavatar feature previously detected in the field of view of the camera.Providing improved visual feedback to the user enhances the operabilityof the device and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g.,by helping the user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakeswhen operating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, in accordance with a determination that the firstchange characteristics include a second magnitude of change of the firstfacial feature (e.g., 2604) different from the first magnitude of change(e.g., the user's head rotates 90 degrees), updating the appearance ofthe first avatar feature (e.g., 2614) to the second appearance includesupdating the appearance of the first avatar feature based on the secondmagnitude of change of the first facial feature (e.g., updating theangle of the avatar's head based on the 90 degrees of rotation of theuser's head). Updating the appearance of the first avatar to the secondappearance based on the second magnitude of change of the first facialfeature gives visual feedback to the user that changes to the virtualavatar, when face tracking is lost, are based, at least in part, on themagnitude of movement of the first avatar feature previously detected inthe field of view of the camera. Providing improved visual feedback tothe user enhances the operability of the device and makes theuser-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user toprovide proper inputs and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the method (2700) further comprises: after updatingthe appearance of the first avatar feature (e.g., 2614) after trackingof the face failed (e.g., after determining that the face is no longerwithin the field of view), the electronic device (e.g., 600) resumestracking of the face while the face is in a first pose (e.g., a posedifferent than the pose of the face at the time detecting was lost)(e.g., a pose shown in state 2601F, 2601G). In response to resumingtracking of the face, the electronic device updates the appearance ofthe first avatar feature to a pose based on the first pose of the face(e.g., as shown in states 2603F and 2603G in FIG. 26B). Resumingtracking of the face while the face is in the first pose provides theuser with feedback that their face is positioned within the field ofview of the camera. Providing improved visual feedback to the userenhances the operability of the device and makes the user-deviceinterface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide properinputs and reducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with thedevice) which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves batterylife of the device by enabling the user to use the device more quicklyand efficiently.

In some embodiments, updating the appearance of the first avatar feature(e.g., 2614) to a pose based on the first pose of the face includesgradually updating (e.g., 2603F, 2603G, 2603L, 2603M) the appearance ofthe first avatar feature to the pose based on the first pose of the face(e.g., the avatar's head gradually moves to a position that matches thedetected position (e.g., 2601F, 2601G, 2601L, 2601M) of the user's headafter the user's face is re-detected in the field of view of the one ormore cameras). Gradually updating the appearance of the first avatarfeature to the pose based on the first pose of the face provides theuser with feedback that their face is positioned within the field ofview of the camera. Providing improved visual feedback to the userenhances the operability of the device and makes the user-deviceinterface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide properinputs and reducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with thedevice) which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves batterylife of the device by enabling the user to use the device more quicklyand efficiently.

In some embodiments, the method (2700) further comprises: in response toresuming tracking of the face, performing the following steps. First,prior to updating the appearance of the first avatar feature (e.g.,2614) to the pose based on the first pose of the face, the electronicdevice (e.g., 600) disables a physics model associated with at least oneof the first avatar feature, the second avatar feature (e.g., 2616), ora third avatar feature (e.g., an avatar's ears, 2618). Second, afterupdating the appearance of the first avatar feature to the pose based onthe first pose of the face, the electronic device gradually resumes thedisabled physics model (e.g., the physics model is enabled, but withdamped movement to avoid a jerking motion from movement of the avatarfeature after face tracking resumes). Third, the electronic devicedetects a change in the first pose of the face, and updates theappearance of the first avatar feature based on the detected change inthe first pose of the face and the resumed physics model. Disabling thephysics model associated with at least one of the first, second, orthird avatar features, gradually resuming the disabled physics modelafter updating the appearance of the first avatar feature to the posebased on the first pose of the face, and updating the first avatarfeature based on detected changes in the first pose of the face and theresumed physics model provide visual feedback to the user that, afterface tracking failed, the device detected the user's face in the fieldof view of the camera and has resumed tracking the user's face andmodifying the virtual avatar based on detected changes. Providingimproved visual feedback to the user enhances the operability of thedevice and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., byhelping the user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakeswhen operating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the plurality of detected facial features includesa second facial feature (e.g., 2606, a head, a mouth, part of a mouth,eyes, etc.) and the first change in pose includes a change to the secondfacial feature (e.g., a direction of change of a second facial featureor a second set of facial features). In some embodiments, the method(2700) further comprises one or more of the following steps.

In some embodiments, in response to determining that tracking of theface in the field of view of the one or more cameras (e.g., 602) hasfailed, the electronic device (e.g., 600) updates an appearance of asecond avatar feature (e.g., 2616) of the plurality of avatar featuresafter tracking of the face failed, wherein the appearance of the secondavatar feature is updated based on change characteristics (e.g., anamplitude and/or direction of change) of the second facial feature(e.g., 2606) that were detected prior to (e.g., immediately prior to orduring a time period just prior to) determining that tracking of theface has failed. In some embodiments, the update includes one or more ofthe embodiments below. Updating an appearance of a second avatar featureafter tracking of the face failed, based on change characteristics ofthe second facial feature that were detected prior to determining thattracking of the face has failed, provides the user with more controlover the device by allowing the user to continue the process formodifying a virtual avatar, even when face tracking has failed.Providing additional control of the device without cluttering the UIwith additional displayed controls enhances the operability of thedevice and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., byhelping the user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakeswhen operating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, in accordance with a determination that the secondfacial feature (e.g., 2606) had third change characteristics prior todetecting that tracking of the face failed (e.g., the second facialfeature was moving in a third direction different than the first and/orsecond directions; e.g., user's mouth turning up into a smile), theelectronic device (e.g., 600) updates the appearance of a second avatarfeature (e.g., 2616) (e.g., updating a position of an avatar's mouth) ofthe virtual avatar (e.g., 2600) to a third appearance (e.g., 2603C) thatis different from the appearance of the avatar when tracking of the facefailed (e.g., 2603B). Updating an appearance of a second avatar featureto a third appearance that is different from the appearance of theavatar when tracking of the face failed provides the user with morecontrol over the device by allowing the user to continue the process formodifying a virtual avatar, even when face tracking has failed.Providing additional control of the device without cluttering the UIwith additional displayed controls enhances the operability of thedevice and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., byhelping the user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakeswhen operating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, in accordance with a determination that the secondfacial feature (e.g., 2606) had fourth change characteristics prior todetecting that tracking of the face failed (e.g., the second facialfeature was moving in a fourth direction different than the first,second, and/or third directions; e.g., user's mouth turning downwardinto a frown), updating the appearance of the second avatar feature ofthe virtual avatar to a fourth appearance that is different from theappearance of the avatar when tracking of the face failed and differentfrom the third appearance. Updating the appearance of the second avatarfeature to a fourth appearance that is different from the appearance ofthe avatar after tracking of the face failed, and different from thethird appearance, provides the user with more control over the device byallowing the user to continue the process for modifying a virtualavatar, even when face tracking has failed. Providing additional controlof the device without cluttering the UI with additional displayedcontrols enhances the operability of the device and makes theuser-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user toprovide proper inputs and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the appearance of the first avatar feature (e.g.,2614) is updated at a first rate of change (e.g., based on a detectedrate of change of the first facial feature (e.g., 2604) (e.g., beforethe face is no longer detected)), and the appearance of the secondavatar feature (e.g., 2616) is updated at a second rate of change (e.g.,based on a detected rate of change of the second facial feature (e.g.,2606) (e.g., before the face is no longer detected)), different than thefirst rate of change. Updating the appearance of the first avatarfeature at a first rate of change, and updating the appearance of thesecond avatar feature at a second rate of change different than thefirst rate of change provides the user with more control over the deviceby allowing the user to continue the process for modifying a virtualavatar, even when face tracking has failed. Providing additional controlof the device without cluttering the UI with additional displayedcontrols enhances the operability of the device and makes theuser-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user toprovide proper inputs and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the first avatar feature is an avatar head (e.g.,2614), and the second avatar feature is a facial feature (e.g., 2616)(e.g., an avatar mouth, eyes, etc.) of the virtual avatar (e.g., 2600).In some embodiments, the avatar head continues to move (e.g., rotating)at a rate that is faster than a rate at which the avatar's facialfeature continues moving.

In some embodiments, updating the appearance of the first avatar feature(e.g., 2614) includes updating the appearance in accordance with a firstphysics model (e.g., a model of inertia, a model of gravity, a forcetransfer model, a friction model), and updating the appearance of thesecond avatar feature (e.g., 2616) includes updating the appearance inaccordance with a second physics model, different than the first physicsmodel (e.g., with a different degree of damping such as a differentamount of friction). Updating the appearance of the first avatar featurein accordance with a first physics model, and updating the appearance ofthe second avatar feature in accordance with a second physics modeldifferent than the first physics model provides the user with feedbackthat changes in the user's facial features effects changes to the firstand second avatar features in a different manner based on differentphysics models applied to the avatar features. Providing improved visualfeedback to the user enhances the operability of the device and makesthe user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user toprovide proper inputs and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the appearance of the first avatar feature (e.g.,2614) (e.g., the avatar's head) is updated at a first decreasing rate ofchange (e.g., the update to the avatar's head is a decrease in movementof the avatar head based on the changed direction of the first facialfeature of the user), and the appearance of the second avatar feature(e.g., 2616) (e.g., the avatar's mouth) is updated at a seconddecreasing rate of change, different than the first decreasing rate ofchange (e.g., the update to the avatar's mouth is a decrease in movementof the avatar's mouth based on the changed direction of the secondfacial feature of the user). Updating the appearance of the first avatarfeature at a first decreasing rate of change, and updating theappearance of the second avatar feature at a second decreasing rate ofchange different than the first decreasing rate of change, provides theuser with feedback that updates to the first and second avatar featuresare applied in a different manner when face tracking is lost. Providingimproved visual feedback to the user enhances the operability of thedevice and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., byhelping the user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakeswhen operating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the first avatar feature is an avatar head (e.g.,2614), the second avatar feature is a facial feature (e.g., 2616) (e.g.,an avatar mouth, eyes, etc.) of the virtual avatar (e.g., 2600), and thesecond decreasing rate of change decreases at a faster rate than a rateof decrease of the first decreasing rate of change (e.g., movement ofthe second avatar feature (e.g., opening or closing of the avatar'smouth, movement of the avatar's mouth into a smile or frown, raising orlowering of the avatar's eyebrows, or the like) decreases at greaterrate than the decrease in movement of the first avatar feature (e.g.,the avatar's head)).

In some embodiments, the appearance of the first avatar feature (e.g.,2614) is updated until a value associated with a range of motion of thefirst avatar feature (e.g., a range representative of a full range ofmotion associated with the first avatar feature) reaches a predeterminedvalue (e.g., a value within the range of motion that is less than themaximum value of the range of motion). In some embodiments, a range ofmotion associated with the avatar head is a rotation of 90 degrees froma front-facing position of the avatar's head, and the predeterminedvalue is 75 degrees from the front-facing position of the avatar's head.In some embodiments, the predetermined value is determined before theupdated appearance of the first avatar feature reaches the predeterminedvalue so that the rate at which the first avatar feature is updated canbe gradually reduced to avoid an abrupt termination of the updating whenthe predetermined value is reached (e.g., thereby avoiding a jerkingeffect of the first avatar feature and other avatar features (e.g.,those having a physics model that is affected by updates to the firstavatar feature) caused by the sudden stop to the updating)). Updatingthe appearance of the first avatar feature until a value associated witha range of motion of the first avatar feature reaches a predeterminedvalue provides feedback to the user of the current state of the virtualavatar, even when the user's face is no longer being tracked. Providingimproved visual feedback to the user enhances the operability of thedevice and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., byhelping the user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakeswhen operating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the appearance of the second avatar feature (e.g.,2616) is updated until a value associated with a range of motion of thesecond avatar feature (e.g., a range representative of a full range ofmotion associated with the first avatar feature) reaches a predeterminedvalue (e.g., a value within the range of motion that is less than themaximum value of the range of motion). In some embodiments, a range ofmotion associated with the avatar's mouth is a range from 0 to 100, andthe predetermined value within the range for the avatar's mouth is 75.In some embodiments, the predetermined value is determined before theupdated appearance of the second avatar feature reaches thepredetermined value so that the rate at which the second avatar featureis updated can be gradually reduced to avoid an abrupt termination ofthe updating when the predetermined value is reached (e.g., therebyavoiding a jerking effect of the second avatar feature and other avatarfeatures (e.g., those having a physics model that is affected by updatesto the second avatar feature) caused by the sudden stop to theupdating)). Updating the appearance of the second avatar feature until avalue associated with a range of motion of the second avatar featurereaches a predetermined value provides feedback to the user of thecurrent state of the virtual avatar, even when the user's face is nolonger being tracked. Providing improved visual feedback to the userenhances the operability of the device and makes the user-deviceinterface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide properinputs and reducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with thedevice) which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves batterylife of the device by enabling the user to use the device more quicklyand efficiently.

In some embodiments, the appearance of the first avatar feature (e.g.,2614) is updated based on a scaled value of the first decreasing rate ofchange (e.g., the displayed change to the first avatar feature after theface is no longer detected is determined based on a scaled value of thevector of the first facial feature at the time face tracking was lost(or just prior to losing face tracking)). In some embodiments, thescaled value is determined before the updated appearance of the firstavatar feature reaches the scaled value so that the rate at which thefirst avatar feature is updated can be gradually reduced to avoid anabrupt termination of the updating when the scaled value is reached(e.g., thereby avoiding a jerking effect of the first avatar feature andother avatar features (e.g., those having a physics model that isaffected by updates to the first avatar feature) caused by the suddenstop to the updating)). Updating the appearance of the first avatarfeature based on a scaled value of the first decreasing rate of changeprovides feedback to the user of the current state of the virtualavatar, even when the user's face is no longer being tracked. Providingimproved visual feedback to the user enhances the operability of thedevice and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., byhelping the user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakeswhen operating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the appearance of the second avatar feature (e.g.,2616) is updated based on a scaled value of the second decreasing rateof change (e.g., the displayed change to the second avatar feature afterthe face is no longer detected is determined based on a scaled value ofthe vector of the second facial feature at the time face tracking waslost (or just prior to losing face tracking)). In some embodiments, thescaled value is determined before the updated appearance of the secondavatar feature reaches the scaled value so that the rate at which thesecond avatar feature is updated can be gradually reduced to avoid anabrupt termination of the updating when the scaled value is reached(e.g., thereby avoiding a jerking effect of the second avatar featureand other avatar features (e.g., those having a physics model that isaffected by updates to the second avatar feature) caused by the suddenstop to the updating). Updating the appearance of the second avatarfeature based on a scaled value of the second decreasing rate of changeprovides feedback to the user of the current state of the virtualavatar, even when the user's face is no longer being tracked. Providingimproved visual feedback to the user enhances the operability of thedevice and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., byhelping the user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakeswhen operating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the appearance of the second avatar feature (e.g.,2616) is updated until the second avatar feature reaches a predeterminedposition (e.g., the predetermined position is determined as a presetvalue that acts as a limit on the magnitude of the change to the secondavatar feature). In some embodiments, the predetermined position isdetermined before the updated appearance of the second avatar featurereaches the predetermined position so that the rate at which the secondavatar feature is updated can be gradually reduced to avoid an abrupttermination of the updating when the predetermined position is reached(e.g., thereby avoiding a jerking effect of the second avatar featureand other avatar features (e.g., those having a physics model that isaffected by updates to the second avatar feature) caused by the suddenstop to the updating). Updating the appearance of the second avatarfeature until it reaches a predetermined position provides feedback tothe user of the current state of the virtual avatar, even when theuser's face is no longer being tracked. Providing improved visualfeedback to the user enhances the operability of the device and makesthe user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user toprovide proper inputs and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, in response to determining that the face (e.g.,2604, 2606) has not been detected within the field of view of the one ormore cameras (e.g., 602) for a threshold amount of time (e.g., 1.5seconds), the electronic device (e.g., 600) updates the appearance ofthe first avatar feature (e.g., 2614) to a first default pose (e.g.,2603J) (e.g., a front-facing position with no rotation or translation ofthe first avatar feature (e.g., an avatar head) within the displayedregion showing the virtual avatar). In some embodiments, this update isa smooth animation of the first avatar feature moving to the defaultpose (e.g., 2603I). In some embodiments, the default pose is determined(e.g., predetermined) independent of the change characteristics of thefirst facial feature when face tracking failed. Updating the appearanceof the first avatar feature to a first default pose provides feedback tothe user that the user's face has not been detected in the field of viewof the cameras for a period of time and that the device is no longermodifying the virtual avatar. Providing improved visual feedback to theuser enhances the operability of the device and makes the user-deviceinterface more efficient (e.g., by helping the user to provide properinputs and reducing user mistakes when operating/interacting with thedevice) which, additionally, reduces power usage and improves batterylife of the device by enabling the user to use the device more quicklyand efficiently.

In some embodiments, in response to determining that the face (e.g.,2604, 2606) has not been detected within the field of view of the one ormore cameras (e.g., 602) for a threshold amount of time (e.g., 1.5seconds), the electronic device (e.g., 600) updates the appearance ofthe second avatar feature (e.g., 2616) to a second default pose (e.g.,2603J) (e.g., a position of the second avatar feature (e.g., an avatarmouth) associated with a neutral pose of the second avatar feature). Insome embodiments, this update is a smooth animation of the second avatarfeature moving to the default pose (e.g., 2603I). In some embodiments,the default pose is determined independent of the change characteristicsof the second facial feature when face tracking failed. Updating theappearance of the second avatar feature to a second default poseprovides feedback to the user that the user's face has not been detectedin the field of view of the cameras for a period of time and that thedevice is no longer modifying the virtual avatar. Providing improvedvisual feedback to the user enhances the operability of the device andmakes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., by helping theuser to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakes whenoperating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, the threshold amount of time is achieved after theappearance of the first avatar feature (e.g., 2614) is updated (e.g.,2603D) and after the appearance of the second avatar feature (e.g.,2616) is updated (e.g., 2603D) (e.g., the first and second avatarfeatures move to their respective default poses after being updatedbased on the changes to the first and second facial features that weredetected when the face was detected in the field of view of the one ormore cameras).

In some embodiments, the method (2700) further includes one or more ofthe following steps.

In some embodiments, prior to determining that tracking of the face inthe field of view of the one or more cameras (e.g., 602) has failed, thedevice (e.g., 600) detects the face within the field of view of the oneor more cameras with a second change in pose (e.g., a change in poseoccurring before the first change in pose), the second change in poseincluding a second change to the plurality of detected facial features(e.g., 2604, 2606) (e.g., a direction of change of a facial feature or aset of facial features while the face is still detected in the field ofview of the one or more cameras).

In some embodiments, in response to detecting the face in the field ofview of the one or more cameras with the second change in pose, themethod (2700) further includes one or more of the following embodiments.

In some embodiments, in accordance with a determination that theplurality of detected facial features had fifth change characteristicswhile tracking the face (e.g., user's head tilting up, user's eyes looksto the side, and user's mouth opening), the device (e.g., 600) updatesthe appearance of the first avatar feature (e.g., 2614, 2616) (e.g.,updating the angle of the avatar head, the position of the avatar'seyes, and the position of the avatar's mouth) of the virtual avatar(e.g., 2600) to a fifth appearance that is based on the fifth changecharacteristics (e.g., continuing to update/move the virtual avatar,while detecting the face in the field of view of the camera). Updatingthe appearance of the first avatar feature to a fifth appearance that isbased on the fifth change characteristics detected prior to facetracking failing provides the user with more control over the device byallowing the user to provide input for controlling a virtual avatarwithout having to display an interface for receiving the user input.Providing additional control of the device without cluttering the UIwith additional displayed controls enhances the operability of thedevice and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., byhelping the user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakeswhen operating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

In some embodiments, in accordance with a determination that theplurality of detected facial features had sixth change characteristicswhile tracking the face (e.g., a user's head tilting in a differentdirection, user's eyes looking in a different direction, and user'smouth moving in a different direction; e.g., user's head tilting down,user's eyes looking forward, and user's mouth closing), the device(e.g., 600) updates the appearance of the first avatar feature (e.g.,2614, 2616) of the virtual avatar (e.g., 2600) to a sixth appearancethat is based on the sixth change characteristics and different from thefifth appearance. In some embodiments, the updates to the avatar arebased on detected changes to multiple features of the user's faceoccurring simultaneously. In some embodiments, while a face continues tobe detected, the updates to the virtual avatar occur within a timeperiod (e.g., a reaction time period, a reaction delay time period) fromwhen the change in pose of the face is detected to when the virtualavatar is updated that is shorter than the time period between thedetected first change in pose of the face and the update to the avatarfeature that occurs after the face is no longer detected. That is, theupdating of the virtual avatar after the face is no longer detected isoffset, in time, by a greater period from the change in pose that theupdate is based on, than compared to updates occurring while the face isstill detected. Updating the appearance of the first avatar feature to asixth appearance that is based on the sixth change characteristicsdetected prior to face tracking failing, and different from the fifthappearance, provides the user with more control over the device byallowing the user to provide input for controlling a virtual avatarwithout having to display an interface for receiving the user input.Providing additional control of the device without cluttering the UIwith additional displayed controls enhances the operability of thedevice and makes the user-device interface more efficient (e.g., byhelping the user to provide proper inputs and reducing user mistakeswhen operating/interacting with the device) which, additionally, reducespower usage and improves battery life of the device by enabling the userto use the device more quickly and efficiently.

Note that details of the processes described above with respect tomethod 2700 (e.g., FIG. 27) are also applicable in an analogous mannerto the methods described above. For example, method 800 optionallyincludes one or more of the characteristics of the various methodsdescribed above with reference to method 2700. For example, whendisplaying a preview of the virtual avatar being modified in response todetected changes in a face, the device may continue to modify thevirtual avatar in accordance with the steps provided in method 2700, ifface tracking is lost during the virtual avatar modifications discussedin method 800. As another example, method 900 optionally includes one ormore of the characteristics of the various methods described above withreference to method 2700. For example, when displaying a preview of thevirtual avatar being modified in response to detected changes in a face,the device may continue to modify the virtual avatar in accordance withthe steps provided in method 2700, if face tracking is lost during thevirtual avatar modifications discussed in method 900. For brevity, thesedetails are not repeated below.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific embodiments. However, theillustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the techniques and their practical applications. Othersskilled in the art are thereby enabled to best utilize the techniquesand various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

Although the disclosure and examples have been fully described withreference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that variouschanges and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in theart. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as beingincluded within the scope of the disclosure and examples as defined bythe claims.

As described above, one aspect of the present technology is thegathering and use of data available from various sources for sharingwith other users. The present disclosure contemplates that in someinstances, this gathered data may include personal information data thatuniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specificperson. Such personal information data can include demographic data,location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter IDs,home addresses, data or records relating to a user's health or level offitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information,exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying orpersonal information.

The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personalinformation data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefitof users. For example, the personal information data can be used tobetter communicate represent a user in a conversation. Further, otheruses for personal information data that benefit the user are alsocontemplated by the present disclosure. For instance, health and fitnessdata may be used to provide insights into a user's general wellness, ormay be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology topursue wellness goals.

The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible forthe collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use ofsuch personal information data will comply with well-established privacypolicies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities shouldimplement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that aregenerally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmentalrequirements for maintaining personal information data private andsecure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and shouldbe updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personalinformation from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonableuses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimateuses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving theinformed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities shouldconsider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access tosuch personal information data and ensuring that others with access tothe personal information data adhere to their privacy policies andprocedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluationby third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacypolicies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should beadapted for the particular types of personal information data beingcollected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards,including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US,collection of or access to certain health data may be governed byfederal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability andAccountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries maybe subject to other regulations and policies and should be handledaccordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained fordifferent personal data types in each country.

Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplatesembodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to,personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplatesthat hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent orblock access to such personal information data. For example, in the caseof sending an avatar, the present technology can be configured to allowusers to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in thecollection of personal information data during registration for servicesor anytime thereafter. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out”options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notificationsrelating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, auser may be notified upon downloading an app that their personalinformation data will be accessed and then reminded again just beforepersonal information data is accessed by the app.

Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personalinformation data should be managed and handled in a way to minimizerisks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can beminimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once itis no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including incertain health related applications, data de-identification can be usedto protect a user's privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, whenappropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth,etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g.,collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level),controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users),and/or other methods.

Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use ofpersonal information data to implement one or more various disclosedembodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the variousembodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing suchpersonal information data. That is, the various embodiments of thepresent technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all ora portion of such personal information data.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device, comprising: a displayapparatus; one or more cameras; one or more processors; and memorystoring one or more programs configured to be executed by the one ormore processors, the one or more programs including instructions for:displaying, via the display apparatus, a virtual avatar, having aplurality of avatar features, that changes appearance in response todetected changes in pose of a face in a field of view of the one or morecameras, the face including a plurality of detected facial features,including a first facial feature; after the face was detected in thefield of view of the one or more cameras with a first change in pose,the first change in pose including a change to the first facial feature,determining that tracking of the face in the field of view of the one ormore cameras has failed; and in response to determining that tracking ofthe face in the field of view of the one or more cameras has failed,updating an appearance of a first avatar feature of the plurality ofavatar features after tracking of the face failed, wherein theappearance of the first avatar feature is updated based on changecharacteristics of the first facial feature that were detected prior todetermining that tracking of the face has failed, wherein updating theappearance of the first avatar feature includes: in accordance with adetermination that the first facial feature had first changecharacteristics prior to detecting that tracking of the face failed,updating the appearance of the first avatar feature of the virtualavatar to a first appearance that is different from an appearance of theavatar when tracking of the face failed; and in accordance with adetermination that the first facial feature had second changecharacteristics, different from the first change characteristics priorto detecting that tracking of the face failed, updating the appearanceof the first avatar feature of the virtual avatar to a second appearancethat is different from the appearance of the avatar when tracking of theface failed and different from the first appearance.
 2. The electronicdevice of claim 1, the one or more programs further includinginstructions for: in accordance with a determination that the firstchange characteristics include a first changed direction of the firstfacial feature, updating the appearance of the first avatar feature tothe first appearance includes updating the appearance of the firstavatar feature based on the first changed direction of the first facialfeature; and in accordance with a determination that the first changecharacteristics include a second changed direction of the first facialfeature different from the first changed direction, updating theappearance of the first avatar feature to the second appearance includesupdating the appearance of the first avatar feature based on the secondchanged direction of the first facial feature.
 3. The electronic deviceof claim 1, the one or more programs further including instructions for:in accordance with a determination that the first change characteristicsinclude a first magnitude of change of the first facial feature,updating the appearance of the first avatar feature to the firstappearance includes updating the appearance of the first avatar featurebased on the first magnitude of change of the first facial feature; andin accordance with a determination that the first change characteristicsinclude a second magnitude of change of the first facial featuredifferent from the first magnitude of change, updating the appearance ofthe first avatar feature to the second appearance includes updating theappearance of the first avatar feature based on the second magnitude ofchange of the first facial feature.
 4. The electronic device of claim 1,wherein the plurality of detected facial features includes a secondfacial feature and the first change in pose includes a change to thesecond facial feature, the one or more programs further includinginstructions for: in response to determining that tracking of the facein the field of view of the one or more cameras has failed, updating anappearance of a second avatar feature of the plurality of avatarfeatures after tracking of the face failed, wherein the appearance ofthe second avatar feature is updated based on change characteristics ofthe second facial feature that were detected prior to determining thattracking of the face has failed: in accordance with a determination thatthe second facial feature had third change characteristics prior todetecting that tracking of the face failed, updating the appearance of asecond avatar feature of the virtual avatar to a third appearance thatis different from the appearance of the avatar when tracking of the facefailed; and in accordance with a determination that the second facialfeature had fourth change characteristics prior to detecting thattracking of the face failed, updating the appearance of the secondavatar feature of the virtual avatar to a fourth appearance that isdifferent from the appearance of the avatar when tracking of the facefailed and different from the third appearance.
 5. The electronic deviceof claim 4, wherein: the appearance of the first avatar feature isupdated at a first rate of change; and the appearance of the secondavatar feature is updated at a second rate of change, different than thefirst rate of change.
 6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein thefirst avatar feature is an avatar head, and the second avatar feature isa facial feature of the virtual avatar.
 7. The electronic device ofclaim 4, wherein: updating the appearance of the first avatar featureincludes updating the appearance in accordance with a first physicsmodel; and updating the appearance of the second avatar feature includesupdating the appearance in accordance with a second physics model,different than the first physics model.
 8. The electronic device ofclaim 4, wherein: the appearance of the first avatar feature is updatedat a first decreasing rate of change; and the appearance of the secondavatar feature is updated at a second decreasing rate of change,different than the first decreasing rate of change.
 9. The electronicdevice of claim 8, wherein: the first avatar feature is an avatar head;the second avatar feature is a facial feature of the virtual avatar; andthe second decreasing rate of change decreases at a faster rate than arate of decrease of the first decreasing rate of change.
 10. Theelectronic device of claim 8, wherein: the appearance of the firstavatar feature is updated until a value associated with a range ofmotion of the first avatar feature reaches a predetermined value; andthe appearance of the second avatar feature is updated until a valueassociated with a range of motion of the second avatar feature reaches apredetermined value.
 11. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein: theappearance of the first avatar feature is updated based on a scaledvalue of the first decreasing rate of change; and the appearance of thesecond avatar feature is updated based on a scaled value of the seconddecreasing rate of change.
 12. The electronic device of claim 4, whereinthe appearance of the second avatar feature is updated until the secondavatar feature reaches a predetermined position.
 13. The electronicdevice of claim 4, the one or more programs further includinginstructions for: in response to determining that the face has not beendetected within the field of view of the one or more cameras for athreshold amount of time: updating the appearance of the first avatarfeature to a first default pose; and updating the appearance of thesecond avatar feature to a second default pose.
 14. The electronicdevice of claim 13, wherein the threshold amount of time is achievedafter the appearance of the first avatar feature is updated and afterthe appearance of the second avatar feature is updated.
 15. Theelectronic device of claim 1, the one or more programs further includinginstructions for: after updating the appearance of the first avatarfeature after tracking of the face failed, resuming tracking of the facewhile the face is in a first pose; and in response to resuming trackingof the face, updating the appearance of the first avatar feature to apose based on the first pose of the face.
 16. The electronic device ofclaim 15, wherein updating the appearance of the first avatar feature toa pose based on the first pose of the face includes gradually updatingthe appearance of the first avatar feature to the pose based on thefirst pose of the face.
 17. The electronic device of claim 15, the oneor more programs further including instructions for: in response toresuming tracking of the face: prior to updating the appearance of thefirst avatar feature to the pose based on the first pose of the face,disabling a physics model associated with at least one of the firstavatar feature, the second avatar feature, or a third avatar feature;after updating the appearance of the first avatar feature to the posebased on the first pose of the face, gradually resuming the disabledphysics model; detecting a change in the first pose of the face; andupdating the appearance of the first avatar feature based on thedetected change in the first pose of the face and the resumed physicsmodel.
 18. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein: displaying thevirtual avatar includes displaying, via the display apparatus, arepresentation of a subject and a background positioned in the field ofview of the one or more cameras, wherein the virtual avatar is displayedon the representation of the subject.
 19. The electronic device of claim1, the one or more programs further including instructions for: prior todetermining that tracking of the face in the field of view of the one ormore cameras has failed, detecting the face within the field of view ofthe one or more cameras with a second change in pose, the second changein pose including a second change to the plurality of detected facialfeatures; and in response to detecting the face in the field of view ofthe one or more cameras with the second change in pose: in accordancewith a determination that the plurality of detected facial features hadfifth change characteristics while tracking the face, updating theappearance of the first avatar feature of the virtual avatar to a fifthappearance that is based on the fifth change characteristics; and inaccordance with a determination that the plurality of detected facialfeatures had sixth change characteristics while tracking the face,updating the appearance of the first avatar feature of the virtualavatar to a sixth appearance that is based on the sixth changecharacteristics and different from the fifth appearance.
 20. Anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing one or moreprograms configured to be executed by one or more processors of anelectronic device with a display apparatus and one or more cameras, theone or more programs including instructions for: displaying, via thedisplay apparatus, a virtual avatar, having a plurality of avatarfeatures, that changes appearance in response to detected changes inpose of a face in a field of view of the one or more cameras, the faceincluding a plurality of detected facial features, including a firstfacial feature; after the face was detected in the field of view of theone or more cameras with a first change in pose, the first change inpose including a change to the first facial feature, determining thattracking of the face in the field of view of the one or more cameras hasfailed; and in response to determining that tracking of the face in thefield of view of the one or more cameras has failed, updating anappearance of a first avatar feature of the plurality of avatar featuresafter tracking of the face failed, wherein the appearance of the firstavatar feature is updated based on change characteristics of the firstfacial feature that were detected prior to determining that tracking ofthe face has failed, wherein updating the appearance of the first avatarfeature includes: in accordance with a determination that the firstfacial feature had first change characteristics prior to detecting thattracking of the face failed, updating the appearance of the first avatarfeature of the virtual avatar to a first appearance that is differentfrom an appearance of the avatar when tracking of the face failed; andin accordance with a determination that the first facial feature hadsecond change characteristics, different from the first changecharacteristics prior to detecting that tracking of the face failed,updating the appearance of the first avatar feature of the virtualavatar to a second appearance that is different from the appearance ofthe avatar when tracking of the face failed and different from the firstappearance.
 21. A method, comprising: at an electronic device having oneor more cameras and a display apparatus: displaying, via the displayapparatus, a virtual avatar, having a plurality of avatar features, thatchanges appearance in response to detected changes in pose of a face ina field of view of the one or more cameras, the face including aplurality of detected facial features, including a first facial feature;after the face was detected in the field of view of the one or morecameras with a first change in pose, the first change in pose includinga change to the first facial feature, determining that tracking of theface in the field of view of the one or more cameras has failed; and inresponse to determining that tracking of the face in the field of viewof the one or more cameras has failed, updating an appearance of a firstavatar feature of the plurality of avatar features after tracking of theface failed, wherein the appearance of the first avatar feature isupdated based on change characteristics of the first facial feature thatwere detected prior to determining that tracking of the face has failed,wherein updating the appearance of the first avatar feature includes: inaccordance with a determination that the first facial feature had firstchange characteristics prior to detecting that tracking of the facefailed, updating the appearance of the first avatar feature of thevirtual avatar to a first appearance that is different from anappearance of the avatar when tracking of the face failed; and inaccordance with a determination that the first facial feature had secondchange characteristics, different from the first change characteristicsprior to detecting that tracking of the face failed, updating theappearance of the first avatar feature of the virtual avatar to a secondappearance that is different from the appearance of the avatar whentracking of the face failed and different from the first appearance.